Many lawyers practice DUI defense, but few have handled Boating Under the Influence cases.  It takes years of hard work in the courtroom, extensive education in the science behind breath and blood testing and field sobriety testing, knowledge of the rules of navigable waterways, as well as a deep understanding of the complex BUI laws and cases before one can be considered a master of the craft.  At Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn, there is a combined experience of over 75 years defending DUIs and BUIs, and each lawyer has extensive training, not only in the science of breath and blood testing, but the requisite maritime knowledge to handle your BUI case.  They have hands on experience with the DataMaster, the breath testing device used in the state of Washington, and own one themselves.  They have lectured to other lawyers both in Washington and around he country on how to defend BUIs and DUIs.

But there is much more than knowledge that goes into being a top flight BUI and DUI defense lawyer.  It is a simple thing to enter a plea of not guilty and set the matter for trial, but the lawyer who does that has surrendered the greatest opportunity to obtain the best possible resolution of the case.  Because most DUI cases are not won at trial; they are won through pretrial litigation.  Pretrial litigation involves raising legal challenges to every aspect of the prosecutor's case, from the time the vessel was seized until the client is released.  The lawyers at Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn litigate every legal issue for which there is a tenable argument, and in the process they let the prosecutor know that they will fight until they obtain a beneficial resolution of the case.  The prosecutors know that Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn will not plead their client guilty as charged.

Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn are unique in some of the resources they have at their disposal.  Senior partner Doug Cowan literally wrote the book on how to defend DUIs in Washington, a textbook for other lawyers who practice in this field, and the other partners have made significant contributions to the book, including writing some of the newer chapters.  Partner Bill Kirk authors the chapter dealing with Boating Under the Influence.  All of the partners have been invited to lecture other lawyers throughout the country on various aspects of DUI defense, including on the DataMaster, field sobriety tests, jury selection, opening statements, cross-examination of the cop and the state's experts, presentation of the defense case and closing arguments.   

But there is more to representing a person charged with this serious crime in court.  For most people the mere fact of being charged and prosecuted is one of the scariest experiences of their life.  Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn has an extremely warm, considerate, friendly and professional staff who will be available to you at all times to answer your questions, keep you informed and assist you in any way possible to ease the stressful process you are experiencing.  All of the staff has been with the firm for at least five years; remarkable stability for a law firm.  The two legal assistants are also veterans of the court system, and are therefore extremely knowledgeable of all of the procedures and hearings you will be experiencing.

Experience, knowledge, commitment, passion and integrity:  that is what Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn are about.  That is what they are known for, and it is why you should contact them for an initial consultation.  Finally, we do not believe that you should have to spend money in order to find the lawyer that is right for you - your initial consultation is without obligation.  Give us a call, we are here to help.