When I was a child I always saw myself as an attorney and as I grew older other people started to see me that way as well. I think it was my charm and ability to persuade people to see things my way… my brothers might say it is because I am stubborn, cantankerous and love to argue. Either way, I did not find my way directly to Seattle University School of Law out of college.
After receiving my bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington I began in depth study of alcoholism and its effects not only on the alcoholic but on family members and friends as well. I attended program seminars at the Recovery Center in Monterrey, Hazelden In Minnesota and at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California.
My deep understanding of alcoholism and its effects on alcoholics and those who love them makes me uniquely qualified to defend DUI charges. A relatively small percentage of the people that we work with are alcoholic; however, many of the people that you will encounter after being stopped for a DUI will treat you as though you are. From the police, prosecutors, court personnel and judges to the treatment providers who will evaluate you, there are many who will assume that your DUI is a symptom of a substantially larger problem. In some cases, this is true, in others it is patently not. I recognize alcoholism and the associated behaviors and traits that characterize the disease. Conversely, I am also very able to tell the difference between a chronic condition and a lapse in judgment. I will do everything in my power to show the court and the prosecutor that the DUI is a snapshot in your life, an incident that you will learn from, but it does not define you.
For my clients who do have a substantial problem with alcohol, I have a deep understanding of what you face. I recognize the challenge that transitioning to a sober lifestyle presents. I know the importance of finding the appropriate treatment provider and working with a team to build the best program to support your sobriety and I am able to help you build that team. I am understanding and compassionate of you and your disease and will do everything I can to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.
Anyone who drives after having a drink is at risk of being stopped by police and later charged with a DUI. You may not feel that your driving was affected or impaired. You may be certain that you were exercising good judgment and that had you realized that your taillight was not working or stayed within the speed you would never have been stopped. I will help you work through these frustrating feelings and help you to become proactive in your own defense.
I did not go to law school with the intention of practicing criminal defense. In fact, prior to law school I saw myself as a prosecutor. I had the naive idea that crimes were committed by bad people who needed to be punished. The growth and learning that I have experienced through this transition makes me the lawyer that I am today.
I am strong and knowledgeable and an excellent advocate for my clients. I am also compassionate and understanding and believe that this blend of characteristics makes me great at my job. Nothing makes me happier that receiving a call from a past client thanking me for my work and telling me that I made a tough situation easier to handle. That, to me, is success. I love my work and the way that we do our work at MILIOS DEFENSE. I am one of the lucky people who is happy to come to work each day. Much of that is because of Tim and Margaret and the atmosphere of professional friendship and collegiality that we share, a lot of it is because the defense of DUI in Washington is constantly evolving and there is always much to learn. But, mostly it is because of my clients and the work that we do together. It is satisfying and rewarding and I am very grateful to have work that is both meaningful and helpful to others.
Contact Danielle Havens
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