Snohomish County Criminal Defense Lawyer The Hoekstra Law Group provides high quality advocacy throughout the Puget Sound and surrounding areas for individuals who are in dire need of strong representation while providing personal attention to your unique and specific needs. Life is unpredictable and you or those you care about could find yourself in the tough position of needing a criminal defense attorney. HLG is dedicated to protecting your rights and interests when you are accused of a criminal violation and we are a strong advocate for your interests in traffic offenses, DUIs, criminal accusations and domestic violence. Further we can counsel you in family issues related to such topics as separation, custody and child support. We will treat you and your case with respect and dignity from beginning to end. Providing superior legal services is our founding belief. Our goal is to provide cost effective representation that is tailored to your needs. Having a charge brought against you is scary and intimidating. We will help you through every stage of the proceeding and draft a strategy together. We believe that communication is essential. We understand that you are more than a name and a case number. We will cut through the legalese and help you understand all the complex issues in your case. You have options. We will take the time to understand your circumstances and present to you how to go forward in order to get you the best outcome possible. We will not rush you through the system. We will tell you where you stand and what kind of solutions you have. Your options may include negotiation of your plea, representation at trial, and in some cases Drug Diversion Court. These kinds of legal matters can be life changing and have a profound impact on your future. We at HLG will be diligent in our preparation and representation. We believe honest communication is essential to your success. Honest communication will lead to a better outcome whether it is in court or through negotiation with the other party. You will not be left in the dark. You will know exactly what work HLG has done for you, why that work was done, and where we will go forward. We provide exceptional representation specifically tailored to your position while being cost-efficient for you. HLG has a virtual and largely paperless office to help keep costs and overhead low. Because we do not have to spend additional hours copying and searching for physical copies, we can save us time and save you money. Your information is always confidential and protected. About Us The Hoekstra Law Group is passionate about advocating for the rights and interests of our clients. HLG focuses on criminal defense, traffic defense, and family law. These areas encompass a wide variety of legal areas including representation for felonies, misdemeanors, driving under the influence, driving while your license is suspended, car accidents, and domestic violence matters. Hoekstra Law Group is a flexible service and strives to be responsive and prompt while providing top-notch service. HLG believes there is no better way to serve you than through a face-to-face meeting and an initial consultation is always free of charge. Our belief is in superior legal services and at HLG we strive to achieve this belief in every action we take. Please call HLG to discuss your options. Ben Hoekstra was raised in Washington and knows the specific challenges Washingtonians face. We proudly serve Snohomish County, Skagit County, and King County. Let us work together to protect your rights. There is no charge for an initial consultation so call us today for a quote and lets get started.
DUI Defense Although DUIs are one of the most commonly charged crimes in Washington, it does not mean that the State will treat your charge any less serious than other crimes. In fact, Washington State has tough DUI laws with even tougher penalties that can affect your life considerably. It can be frightening. We will provide you zealous representation at all stages of the proceeding. You do not want to fight a DUI charge alone. Every DUI arrest is unique. Just because the Breathalyzer, blood test, or roadside field sobriety test claim you were over the limit does not mean that you are guilty. Even if you your results were below the legal limit, or there was no alcohol result, the police and prosecuting authority may proceed if they believe that there is sufficient evidence to show that even though your alcohol concentration was below the legal limit, your ability to drive was appreciably affected by alcohol. Although no attorney can guarantee a certain outcome, we will examine all the circumstances surrounding the DUI charge and present a strategy to you to get the best possible outcome for you. Sometimes the police in Washington do not file the DUI charges directly and do not give you the court date immediately. When this happens the officer will typically provide a drivers hearing request form for the Department of Licensing and send the DUI case to the local prosecuting authority for the filing of charges. You should receive your court notice in the mail. Administrative Hearings The Department of Licensing administrative actions that arise from a DUI arrest are civil and completely separate from any suspensions from a criminal proceeding. After your arrest, if you provide a breath sample over .08 or you refuse to take the breath test, the State of Washington will begin a proceeding. This proceeding is to determine whether or not to suspend and/or revoke your driving privileges. You must request a hearing to fight the action within 20 days or you will lose your right to contest the action. Your license will remain valid for 60 days as long as you carry the piece of paper at the bottom of the hearing request form with your license. However, criminal penalties are separate from administrative penalties. Call the Hoekstra Law Group if you have been charged with a DUI. What Happens If You Refused To Give A Field Sobriety Test? Field sobriety tests are non-testimonial evidence that is not compelled by the State and your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent does not apply. Stated differently, your refusal to take those tests when an officer requests that you do so may be used against you in a criminal trial. Meaning, the field sobriety tests are voluntary in nature and you cannot be forced to take one. You have a right to refuse to perform those physical tests. As well, the officer should warn you that if you refuse to take the test your license, permit, or privilege to drive will be revoked or denied. The State must prove that you freely and voluntarily submitted to a field sobriety test. However, there are certain consequences you will face for not performing a field sobriety test. For more information see RCW 46.20.308. Call the Hoekstra Law Group to discuss what we can do for you.