Experienced Tacoma Traffic Violation Lawyers In Your Corner

Reckless driving and hit and run attorneys in Pierce County help you protect your driving privileges

The State of Washington has gotten tougher on speeders, reckless drivers and others who violate traffic laws since the court rules regarding traffic violations were revised in 2006, you can still fight your ticket. While it may just seem easier to go in, pay the fine and get it over with, there are ramifications. A guilty plea results in an increase in your auto insurance costs and points on your license. Depending on the violation and any problems you had in the past, it may even mean a suspension of your driving privileges.

At The Woods Law Office, PLLC, we are Tacoma traffic violations attorneys who believe in fighting back.

What is the difference between an infraction and a criminal traffic offense?

Traffic violations may be considered infractions, or they may be classified as criminal offenses. There is a big difference between an infraction and a criminal offense. For one thing, imprisonment is a possibility with a criminal traffic offense, but you cannot be jailed for an infraction. In either case, however, having an effective lawyer — one who is knowledgeable about state and local laws — is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. If you are charged with a serious offense such as a hit and run in Tacoma, attorney assistance is critical.

Infractions and criminal violations include:

  • Reckless driving
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt
  • Street racing
  • Speeding
  • Illegal maneuvers
  • Fleeing/eluding police vehicles in pursuit
  • Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
  • Driving with a revoked or suspended license

Some of the most serious traffic violations include drunk driving, hit-and-run and vehicular homicide. Doug Woods is an experienced vehicular homicide attorney and former prosecutor who knows how to build a strategic defense. For more than a decade, we have also helped those who have been charged with drunk driving. Public outcry from MADD and other groups has increased arrests and enforcement of the laws. If you have been stopped, charged or arrested, contact drunk driving attorney Doug Woods immediately.

Why do I need an attorney for a traffic infraction?

The burden of proof for traffic infractions is lower than the burden required for criminal cases. For traffic infractions, the burden is by “preponderance of the evidence” rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” as it is in criminal cases. Under a preponderance of the evidence standard, the prosecution only has to show that a fact is more likely true than not true, which is a much easier standard for the government to meet than the requirement in criminal cases to prove the facts beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact a Tacoma traffic violations law firm for a free consultation
Fighting a traffic ticket may help save your license and your freedom — and a consultation with attorney Doug Woods is free. To learn more or to schedule your consultation with Tacoma reckless driving attorney Doug Woods, please contact us online. We are available to meet on weekends or evenings, and we offer reasonable payment plans.

Domestic Violence Attorneys Zealously Defend Your Reputation

Are you the victim of a false accusation of domestic violence in Pierce County?

Every year, thousands of women, children — and yes, sometimes even men — are physically, financially or emotionally abused by spouses, family members or domestic partners. We applaud the work of law enforcement and organizations who work diligently to protect victims of domestic violence. Yet, as domestic violence attorneys, we also know that the accused may themselves be victims of false reports, misunderstandings or even revenge.

At The Woods Law Offices, PLLC, we believe that the accused have rights, too. We work vigorously and effectively to present your side and protect your interests. Washington’s domestic violence law is broadly written and can produce long-lasting repercussions above and beyond normal criminal penalties. Moreover, domestic violence consequences can be imposed even without a trial or conviction for any crime. Take these charges seriously — and get the legal representation from experienced criminal attorney Doug Woods immediately.

By definition, a violent crime with harsh penalties

A charge of domestic violence may be leveled because of allegations of rape or assault — as well as non-physical forms of violence, including stalking, harassment or threats of violence — made by a family or household member. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common, persons who are living together, and people who have or have had a dating relationship (current or former boyfriend/girlfriend), as well as those in a parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren or even grandparents and grandchildren.

You should know that if you are accused of domestic violence, you can be arrested by the police on the spot — basically on the word of your accuser. Once you have been arrested (and possibly jailed), the court may issue a restraining order known as a no-contact order. This is a court order that may require you to stay away from the accuser’s home, school or place of employment and refrain from any contact with the accuser and members of the accuser’s family or household. This means that if you were living at the same home, you can be forced to move out of your own house and refrain from having any contact with your children or other members of your family. If you are facing charges, contact domestic violence lawyer Doug Woods immediately.

Violations of no-contact orders

Even if you are not arrested, if you are charged with an offense such as harassment, there will still be a hearing over whether a no-contact or no-harassment order will be issued. And because domestic violence and harassment may involve dozens of other offenses, a no-contact order can be ordered in just about any case involving a family or household member accused of domestic abuse.

As your felony lawyer, we are here to help you. If you have received a no-contact order, it is imperative that you do not violate the order. While we understand that you may want to talk to your accuser, see your children or gain access to your home, you risk a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 — or worse.

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options and your rights

We offer skilled legal counsel and representation to those facing criminal domestic violence charges throughout Pierce County and King County. To schedule your free consultation with Doug Woods, a domestic abuse attorney, please contact us online. Weekends and evenings appointments are available.

DUI Procedure Lawyers in Tacoma With Comprehensive Knowledge Of The Legal Process

What to expect if you have been charged with a DUI in Washington State

In Pierce County and throughout Washington State, there are procedural maneuvers that can help you avoid prosecution or conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). At The Woods Law Office, PLLC, we use all available means to keep you from losing your license, going to jail and incurring the other penalties that can result from a DUI conviction.

Tacoma DUI attorney Doug Woods brings his experience as a former Auburn City and Thurston County prosecutor to bear in helping people from communities in the Puget Sound area — making sure they understand the legal process surrounding a DUI charge.

What to do if stopped for DUI

In the State of Washington, anyone who refuses a breath test or blood test, or whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is over .08, automatically loses his or her license unless he or she requests a hearing from the Department of Licensing. Your license can be suspended from 90 days to five years, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Although you may request a hearing to dispute the suspension of your license, you must do so within 30 days of your arrest. If you do not request a hearing within this 30-day period, you have waived your right to a hearing and there could be an automatic license suspension.

DUI procedure and deferred prosecution

According to Washington DUI procedure, if you have been charged with a DUI, you may be able to either plead to a reduced charge such as reckless driving, negligent driving or an infraction or enter into a deferred prosecution. Under the deferred prosecution option, if you are diagnosed as alcohol dependent and enter into a two-year treatment plan, you may be able to have your charges dismissed after five years — something you may do one time only. If the evidence against you is weak or if the police did not follow proper procedures, The Woods Law Office, PLLC pushes for a dismissal of charges, suppression of evidence or an acquittal at trial.

Charges and penalties vary based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) and other factors. If this is a Washington State first DUI offense for you, there is much greater latitude. If, however, you have had prior DUI charges or arrests, the battle will be greater and we urge you to contact Tacoma repeat DUI attorney Doug Woods immediately.

Contact our Pierce County DUI law office to learn more

You have rights. If you have been charged with Washington State DUI, make sure those rights are protected. For more information about how The Woods Law Office, PLLC can help you, contact us online. Weekend or evening appointments can be arranged, and we offer flexible, affordable payment plans.