Yes. Usually it is the standard practice. Most DUI attorneys will include the Department of Licensing (DOL) Administrative Hearing in the DUI fee. That said, you should always ask your DUI attorney to see whether it is included. (or look at your DUI fee agreement)

No. Arraignment in Washington State cannot be waived on DUI or Physical Control charges. You must appear in-person with your attorney. However, if you are unavailable your attorney can always ask for a continuance of the arraignment Court date depending on the Court. (typically, only 1-3 weeks)

Typically, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearing Officers will give you 7-10 calender days notice of your pending suspension or revocation. This timeline applies – if your not successful at the DOL Administrative Hearing. Unfortunately, it is not very much time to apply for an ignition interlock license.

No. Under current Washington State Law you cannot expunge or erase the Court record and/or docket – even if – the DUI is reduced to Reckless or Negligent Driving or Reckless Endangerment. Vacating your conviction is a different matter. See this blog for information. In other words, your DUI arrest may still show up in background checks.

No. Politely decline. I always recommend against taking the Roadside Field Sobriety Tests. (HGN, Walk & Turn, One Leg Stand and Portable Breath Test) In Washington State or Seattle, these tests are voluntarily , unreliable and difficult to complete in the best of conditions. (think traffic flying by in the dead of night, bad weather conditions among many other factors) Remember, you are simply building a DUI case against yourself. ( usually not a good idea ) You can be cooperative and respectful of the officer or trooper without taking these tests.

Negligent Driving 1st Degree is a Misdemeanor Criminal Traffic Offense in Washington State. It has a maximum penalty of 90 days in Jail and a $1000 Fine. Negligent Driving 2nd Degree is a traffic infraction (civil – not criminal) with a maximum fine of $250. (although, it is really around $550 with all the court costs etc.) 1st degree involves alcohol or drugs – 2nd degree does not.

I have resolved several DUI cases over the years with Negligent Driving 2nd Degree. Obviously, that is a great result and the clients were very happy.

The defendant. You agree to pay the cost of diagnosis (evaluation) and treatment, if you financially able to do so, subject to RCW 10.05.130. Most insurance plans will cover (but not all) and Costs can run from $4000-$7000 or more depending on the provider.

You will be required to have SR-22 Insurance for 3 years on a Physical Control conviction in Washington State. This is also the same for DUI and Reckless Driving convictions.

Yes. In most cases, the Judge (and prosecutor) would like the opportunity to review a Petition for Deferred Prosecution and accompanying documents on a DUI charge before your Court appearance. Some Courts by local Court rule even mandate a specific time period. The most common is 7-14 days before the Court date. Regardless of a Court rule, it is always a good practice to do so. Otherwise, if it is a busy Court calender you will be asked to continue the hearing.