Last Monday I argued to a judge in King County District Court that my client's right to have a private conversation was denied and that, additionally, due to the police department's policy of "purging" (i.e., destroying) video after 60 days it was impossible for her to have a fair trial because it would be her word about that denial of a private conversation with her attorney prior to submitting to a breath test against that of a Washington State Patrol trooper of 24 years. After hearing testimony from my client after the Trooper, the judge took the argument under advisement, then issued a written ruling declaring, among other things, that my client's testimony lent credence to her account the trooper could overhear her conversation and that she was unable to ask the attorney the questions she needed to in order to make an informed decision.
I will tell you from experience, dismissals of DUIs don't often occur but this was the correct call by the judge. Regardless of how someone might feel about the result, justice was served because the court essentially put the onus on the State to show the defendant wasn't prejudiced after she testified. This is precisely why I fight the fight folks! I have a very satisfied client today.
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About the author:
Nathan Webb, is a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer. His practice of 10 years emphasizes DUI defense. He has been repeatedly recognized as one of Seattle's Best Attorneys! He was recognized as a Top Seattle DUI Attorneys by Seattle Met Magazine, Repeatedly named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in the area of DUI Defense by Washington Law and Politics Magazine, and is Rated Superb for DUI Defense (perfect 10.0 out of 10.0) by Avvo.com
