Experience You Can Trust Protect Your Freedom With Baumgarten Law Offices Today

Physical Control of a motor vehicle

Skilled DUI Defense Attorneys in Pullman

If you have been arrested for Physical Control in the state of Washington, you are facing strict sanctions and penalties such as jail time, fines, and the suspension or revocation your privilege to drive. As a skilled Physical Control attorney, Luke Baumgarten has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the entire case, from the initial jail call all the way through trial.

Like DUI, there is a lot more to a Physical Control case than simply whether you were in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while you were intoxicated. There are a many legal issues which, if identified by your attorney, could lead to suppression of evidence, could justify an amendment to a lower-level offense (like Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, or Negligent Driving in the First Degree), or could even lead to a dismissal or acquittal. Physical Control is defined by RCW 46.61.504.

Defenses to physical control of a motor vehicle under the influence include:

  • Consuming alcohol after driving: It is an affirmative defense if the defendant proves that it is more likely than not that he or she consumed a sufficient amount of alcohol after the time of being in actual physical control of the vehicle and before taking a breath test to have a BAC of .08 or higher.
  • Safely off the roadway: It is a defense to a charge of Physical Control if, prior to being pursued by a law enforcement officer, the defendant had moved his or her vehicle "safely off the roadway."
  • Reasonable Doubt: As with any criminal case, the government has the burden of proving each and every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

In many respects, Physical Control is very similar to the crime of DUI. For more detailed information regarding possible penalties and license sanctions, visit our DUI page.

If you have been charged with Physical Control, call Baumgarten Law Office for a free consultation: (509) 593-4370.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

See What Our Clients Have to Say
    "Sometimes good people get in bad situations"

    Luke is without a doubt the best criminal lawyer there is. He is so patient as he explains all the terminology and it's ...

    - Diane T.
    "He is a lawyer who is not only professional, but trustworthy, kind, and patient."

    He is a lawyer who is not only professional, but trustworthy, kind, and patient.

    - Sam
    "...He even got the DUI case dismissed! I would highly recommend Luke Baumgarten to anyone in a similar situation."

    ...He even got the DUI case dismissed! I would highly recommend Luke Baumgarten to anyone in a similar situation.

    - Robert
    "My case ended up turning out the best way for my situation thanks to Luke."

    My case ended up turning out the best way for my situation thanks to Luke.

    - Past Client
    "Soooo helpful!"

    I wish he could represent me, but I have court in another county. I called him to see if he could (on his cell-on a holiday!) And even though he couldn't he took time to discuss things with me and look up other options for me. I would go with him in a hear

    - Anonymous
    "His work and mistakes by the arresting agency that he identified ultimately resulted in a reduced charge."

    I had a legal issue over the weekend involving driving after drinking. I emailed Luke, and he responded over the weekend and met with me the very next Monday morning. I felt that was very impressive. The whole process was overwhelming, and Luke did a good

    - Anonymous
    "He took the time to listen to all of my concerns in a very personable manner"

    Directly after speaking with Mr. Baumgarten, I knew I would like him to represent me. Luke is an extremely well spoken and trustworthy gentleman who was always responsive to me; even prior to us discussing any method of payment. Not only did Mr. Baumgarten

    - Former Client
    "He works very, very, hard for his clients and will give you good results."

    During my career, I've worked with many attorneys, and quite simply, Mr. Baumgarten is the best. He really cares about his clients and is very knowledgeable about a variety of difficult situations. He works very, very, hard for his clients and will give yo

    - Rich G.

Our Commitment to You

  • Availability
    We are here for you and available to help any time or any day.
  • Convenience
    We're located conveniently for you in the heart of Pullman.
  • Devotion
    We will deliver personalized and focused representation to you.
  • Affordable Rates

    Flat-fee rates, simple payment plans, and free consultations.

Free Initial Consultation

Get Compassionate Legal Representation Today
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • Before submitting this form, please note:

    If you are not a current client of Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC, please do not include any information in this e-mail that you or someone else considers to be confidential or secret in nature. Prior to the establishment of an attorney-client relationship, unsolicited e-mails from non-clients containing confidential or secret information cannot be protected from disclosure. The use of this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

    Please make a selection.