DUI

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs is also referred to as a DUI or sometimes DWI.

The Adult DUI

The charge for an adult is DUI.

A Driving Under the Influence is a gross misdemeanor, which has a maximum of 364 days in jail and additional court penalties.

• Requires a blood alcohol content of .08 or,
• 5 nanograms or higher for Driving under the influence of Marijuana or,
• In the alternative, be under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol.

Underage DUI

The charge for someone under the age of 21 is Driver Under Twenty-One consuming alcohol or marijuana and is operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle.

An Underage DUI is a misdemeanor, which has a maximum  of 90 days in jail and additional court penalties.

For a minor the blood alcohol content is .02.

Driving Under the Influence is a serious crime, with serious penalties for you.

• You could be arrested.
• Face a Driver’s license suspension.  
• You will have assorted Court hearings including an Arraignment, Pre-Trial hearings, Trial, Sentencing.
• Sentencing can include Jail, Fines, Scram Bracelet, Drug and Alcohol Evaluation, Treatment, Ignition Interlock, SR 22 filing Insurance.  

In the long term

• You may need to have background checks done, that will bring this back to the surface years from now.
• Some Countries, including Canada, do not allow you to enter if you have been convicted of  a DUI.

Drinking? Driving? Don’t!

If you are drinking and travelling, plan to have a designated driver, call a friend, call a cab, call a tow truck, or Stay.

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 304 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kylin Landry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation.  Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Doza m 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Bri Adams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Roman Empire 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Abraham Tewldeberham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Sylvia Magnusson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Merrill Law
  
 717 reviews 
 
 Write a review 
 
   Google    Facebook    Trustindex  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Shannon Jackson 
 
September 6, 2026
 
 
  
He’s like Santa for speeding tickets. Anytime someone says they got a ticket, I always tell them “I got a guy”
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Nathan Turner 
 
September 6, 2026
 
 
  
My son got his first speeding ticket. We called these guys and sent them a photo of the ticket. They took care of everything and got the ticket dismissed. Lucky kid. Hope he learned his lesson...
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kymberly Hoyle 
 
September 3, 2026
 
 
  
I have gone through Merrill Law 3 times now for speeding violations and expired tabs and they are efficient and super easy to work with every time. Reece is fantastic and communicative. I highly recommend them as they have saved me a lot of money in the end.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jamie Lee Fada 
 
September 3, 2026
 
 
  
I have used Merrill Law several times from speeding tickets to HOV violations. Everyone has been dismissed. I can't reccomend them enough.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Laura Taylor 
 
August 18, 2026
 
 
  
Going to Merrill Law was one of the best decisions I could have made. From start to finish, their team was kind, professional, helpful, and excellent at communicating throughout the process. I truly appreciated their support and would highly recommend Merrill Law to anyone in need of their services.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Xavier Hecker 
 
August 17, 2026
 
 
  
Second speeding ticket in a row dropped, and I never had to step foot in a court room.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Matthew Matyuk 
 
August 15, 2026
 
 
  
Great experience, big thanks, ticket dismissal went smoothly.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jordan Cabral 
 
August 14, 2026
 
 
  
Huge thank you to Reece Merrill for helping me resolve an issue with the Department of licensing. He was so quick to help me fix what seemed to be an overlook on the DOL’s part. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal help big or small.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Alex Nelsen 
 
July 28, 2025
 
 
  
Reliable, Professional, and Effective Big thanks to Merrill Law for getting my ticket dismissed. I’ve used them before after a friend recommended them, and they’ve made the whole process easy and stress-free every time. It’s a huge relief knowing they’re in your corner, fighting for you. Highly recommend to anyone needing a solid attorney
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Stephan A 
 
June 14, 2025
 
 
  
Fantastic as always 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Marc Calague 
 
November 5, 2024
 
 
  
Merrill Law is fantastic Got my infraction dismissed and all I did was call them. Saved my record, my time, and my money.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 John Miranda 
 
October 24, 2023
 
 
  
Great Result.  Dismissed speeding Ticket!! I got a speeding ticket that I presented to Mr Merril.  Very easy to process. Excellent communication.    He called me during the process to l ask my opinion.   He felt there may be a chance that my ticket would not be dismissed and wanted to know if I would be willing to pay a fine, to keep the ticket off of my record.  I agreed and was thankful to be included in the process.  Mr. Merrill went to court, fought for me and WON!  my ticket was dismissed!! Great result.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Brian 
 
August 17, 2023
 
 
  
The Best Legal Team I will begin by saying the professional and courteous manner in which they (the whole practice) treat people is second to none. Not only have they kept my driving record impeccable, the cost is fair and they can be counted on 100%. I cant say enough how grateful i am to have been recommended to these guys, here i am doing exactly the same i recommend them beyond plain recommendations haha Thank you to all the people in your firm Rick!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Cecilia Jones 
 
June 21, 2023
 
 
  
Grateful is an understatement! Quick and concise work on the part of the firm, ensuring clear direction of what documentation needed to be submitted in order to dispute. I was given reassurance that once everything was handled id receive an email of the overall outcome of my case. Im happy to say it was a successful favorable outcome and I can continue working without any additional financial hardship thanks to this firm!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Arteom Lupekha 
 
April 14, 2023
 
 
  
Excellent Experience Reece and his team worked quite quickly and we’re very responsive. They under promise and over deliver. Excellent experience from 3 traffic violations over a few years. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Understanding A DUI Stop

You have been out for some fun, enjoying a few alcoholic beverages. You grab your keys, hop into the driver’s seat and get on the road.  

Soon you notice the red and blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror. Now you realize that you could be charged with a DUI.

If you have committed a traffic infraction, an officer will pull you over.  

The officer will notice if there is an odor of alcohol or drugs from the car. He will look to see if your eyes are glassy or bloodshot. He will observe if your speech is slurred and your mannerisms seem to be impaired.  

The Field Sobriety Test

With a reasonable suspicion of drunk driving, the officer will ask you to step out of the car and complete a field sobriety test.

A field sobriety test is a series of 3 tests that will be administered by an officer to determine the impairment of the driver and establish probable cause for arrest.  

Test one is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test  

The officer will watch the driver’s eyes, as the driver follows a slowly moving object. This is usually done with a writing utensil or a small flashlight.  

Test two is the walk and turn test.  

This requires the driver to listen, follow instructions, while performing the simple physical movements.  The driver will be asked to take nine steps, heel-to-toe along a straight line, and then turn on one foot and return to the starting position walking along the same straight line heel-to-toe.  

Test three is the one-leg stand test.  

The driver will be asked to stand with one foot approximately six inches off of the ground and then will be directed to count aloud by thousands until the officer directs the driver to place the foot down.  

The officer will be looking for indicators of impairment, which include swaying while balancing, use of the arms for balance, hopping to help maintain balance, and placing the foot down for balance.

Breath Test

The officer may also ask you to take a portable breath test to measure your blood alcohol content.

Should you Take the Test

It is important that you speak with an attorney prior to taking any type of test to determine your ability to drive.

The officer may place you under arrest and you may be taken to jail if you refuse to take the tests.  

Knowing your Rights

The arresting officer is required to notify you of your right to talk to an attorney, within a reasonable amount of time.

It is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible to help determine which course of action you should take to help with your situation.

What are the Consequences?

Receiving a DUI is a serious offense and may lead to time in jail, suspension of your license, probation and many other requirements or penalties.

We know that DUIs can be a life changing event but it is not the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 304 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kylin Landry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation.  Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Doza m 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Bri Adams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Roman Empire 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Abraham Tewldeberham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Sylvia Magnusson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Merrill Law
  
 717 reviews 
 
 Write a review 
 
   Google    Facebook    Trustindex  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Shannon Jackson 
 
September 6, 2026
 
 
  
He’s like Santa for speeding tickets. Anytime someone says they got a ticket, I always tell them “I got a guy”
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Nathan Turner 
 
September 6, 2026
 
 
  
My son got his first speeding ticket. We called these guys and sent them a photo of the ticket. They took care of everything and got the ticket dismissed. Lucky kid. Hope he learned his lesson...
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kymberly Hoyle 
 
September 3, 2026
 
 
  
I have gone through Merrill Law 3 times now for speeding violations and expired tabs and they are efficient and super easy to work with every time. Reece is fantastic and communicative. I highly recommend them as they have saved me a lot of money in the end.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jamie Lee Fada 
 
September 3, 2026
 
 
  
I have used Merrill Law several times from speeding tickets to HOV violations. Everyone has been dismissed. I can't reccomend them enough.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Laura Taylor 
 
August 18, 2026
 
 
  
Going to Merrill Law was one of the best decisions I could have made. From start to finish, their team was kind, professional, helpful, and excellent at communicating throughout the process. I truly appreciated their support and would highly recommend Merrill Law to anyone in need of their services.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Xavier Hecker 
 
August 17, 2026
 
 
  
Second speeding ticket in a row dropped, and I never had to step foot in a court room.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Matthew Matyuk 
 
August 15, 2026
 
 
  
Great experience, big thanks, ticket dismissal went smoothly.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jordan Cabral 
 
August 14, 2026
 
 
  
Huge thank you to Reece Merrill for helping me resolve an issue with the Department of licensing. He was so quick to help me fix what seemed to be an overlook on the DOL’s part. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal help big or small.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Alex Nelsen 
 
July 28, 2025
 
 
  
Reliable, Professional, and Effective Big thanks to Merrill Law for getting my ticket dismissed. I’ve used them before after a friend recommended them, and they’ve made the whole process easy and stress-free every time. It’s a huge relief knowing they’re in your corner, fighting for you. Highly recommend to anyone needing a solid attorney
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Stephan A 
 
June 14, 2025
 
 
  
Fantastic as always 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Marc Calague 
 
November 5, 2024
 
 
  
Merrill Law is fantastic Got my infraction dismissed and all I did was call them. Saved my record, my time, and my money.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 John Miranda 
 
October 24, 2023
 
 
  
Great Result.  Dismissed speeding Ticket!! I got a speeding ticket that I presented to Mr Merril.  Very easy to process. Excellent communication.    He called me during the process to l ask my opinion.   He felt there may be a chance that my ticket would not be dismissed and wanted to know if I would be willing to pay a fine, to keep the ticket off of my record.  I agreed and was thankful to be included in the process.  Mr. Merrill went to court, fought for me and WON!  my ticket was dismissed!! Great result.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Brian 
 
August 17, 2023
 
 
  
The Best Legal Team I will begin by saying the professional and courteous manner in which they (the whole practice) treat people is second to none. Not only have they kept my driving record impeccable, the cost is fair and they can be counted on 100%. I cant say enough how grateful i am to have been recommended to these guys, here i am doing exactly the same i recommend them beyond plain recommendations haha Thank you to all the people in your firm Rick!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Cecilia Jones 
 
June 21, 2023
 
 
  
Grateful is an understatement! Quick and concise work on the part of the firm, ensuring clear direction of what documentation needed to be submitted in order to dispute. I was given reassurance that once everything was handled id receive an email of the overall outcome of my case. Im happy to say it was a successful favorable outcome and I can continue working without any additional financial hardship thanks to this firm!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Trustindex  
 
  
 
 
 Arteom Lupekha 
 
April 14, 2023
 
 
  
Excellent Experience Reece and his team worked quite quickly and we’re very responsive. They under promise and over deliver. Excellent experience from 3 traffic violations over a few years. Highly recommend!