• What is the minimum treatment with a DUI?

    Every DUI conviction or reduction (Negligent Driving or Reckless Driving) will require at the minimum an Alcohol Drug evaluation, 8-hour Alcohol Drug Information School (ADIS) and 2-hour DUI Victims Panel. The minimum would only apply if the evaluator finds you have – no significant problem (NSP) with drugs or alcohol.

  • How many days to my license is suspended after my DUI arrest?

    30 days from the date of arrest – if you do nothing. If you request a Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearing within seven (7) calendar days – this time period is extended until the DOL Hearing Officer issues a decision in your DOL case. You usually will receive ten (10) days notice or so before the suspension takes effect after a ruling.

  • What are my options with an outstanding Warrant?

    You can find out what the bail amount is and pay the bail bondsmen for a surety bond. The customary rate is 10% of the bond amount. This amount is non-refundable and is essentially the cost of the bond. The bail bondsmen may also require some additional financial security (i.e. credit card, real estate deed etc.) depending on the facts, type of case, your ties to the community and your criminal history among other factors. For example, if the bail amount is $25,000 you will pay $2500. The second option is to schedule your case for a hearing to quash (cancel) the warrant. The warrant quash procedure can vary significantly by County, City and Court. You should inquire with the Court Clerk of the Court your case is in – for the specific procedure for that Court. Remember, just because you set it for a hearing – does not mean the Court will not still require some bail. However, the chances are better that the amount will be at least reduced, if not completed quashed.

  • Is it worth paying $375 for the DOL Hearing?

    Yes. Even though your chances of success are slim (see previous post) it is always worth requesting a Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing. You just never know what may happen. Worst case is you get a preview of the prosecutors case and often way before the DUI criminal case is filed. I use the hearing for discovery proposes. In other words, to try to find out as much about the client’s DUI case as possible. (review the police report, breath test evidence, talk to witnesses etc.)

  • What are my chances of success in the DUI DOL Hearing?

    Roughly 1 in 4. Twenty-five (25%) or so. Obviously, this varies somewhat depending on the Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearing Officer.

  • Are DUI roadblocks allowed in Washington State?

    No. Unlike many other States, DUI roadblocks are illegal in Washington State. A law enforcement officer must have probable cause to stop your vehicle.

  • Can I have two DOL Hearings?

    Yes. If you refused the breath test at the police station and a blood draw was taken per a warrant – it is possible to have two (2) Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearings. It will probably become more commonplace in any case with a refusal and a blood draw.

  • Will I be able to Drive with a DUI?

    Yes. You will always be able to get a restricted license – Ignition Interlock License – even with a DUI conviction or if you lose your license through the DOL Hearing implied consent procedure.