Driving Under the Influence in Seattle
In Seattle, the Law Offices of Ima Good Attorney have an excellent knowledge of the issues surrounding defending your rights in a driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol case.
If you are arrested for a DUI, you face two completely separate trials. The outcome of one has nothing to do with the outcome of the other. If your DUI charge is reduced to negligent driving in the first degree or if your case is completely dismissed, you will still have to attend a suspension hearing at the Department of Licensing.
Details
- The police officer will give you a DOL Hearing Request form when you are arrested
- You have 30 days to request a hearing. THIS IS A PRIORITY!
- If you do not, your license will be automatically suspended.
- You will be able to continue to drive (pending the results of the hearing) if you had a valid license when you were arrested.
Hearings
Pretrial Hearing
- There will be one or more pretrial hearings.
- Your attorney will present your case to the prosecutor before and between these hearings. They will negotiate the best resolution for you.
- If they come to a favorable resolution, the case will be resolved.
- If no resolution is reached, a date will be set for litigation of the case.
Motions Hearing
- If your case is not resolved at the pretrial hearing, your attorney will file a motion to suppress evidence against you and/or to dismiss your case.
- Success or failure in a DUI case depends on the motions filed by defense counsel.
- This hearing takes place between 3 and 6 months from the beginning of your case.
Readiness Hearing
- This hearing is another name for the pretrial hearing.
- The readiness hearing – negotiations have failed and proceeding to trial is discussed.
- Deals are made and pleas negotiated.
Department of Licensing
- Hearing is administered over the phone between a Department of Licensing examiner and your attorney
- For an in-person hearing – need to make a special request and if approved, the officer will be requested to attend.
- Will be held within 60 days of your arrest.
- A ruling might be given at the time of hearing or sent in the mail.
- If the DOL suspends your license, you will not be able to drive without consequences.
- This is mandatory in the State of Washington and cannot be waived.
- Date will be given to you on your citation or by mail in the form of a summons.
- Held to advise you of the charges against you and your rights.
- Will set conditions of release pending the outcome of the proceedings.
- Your attorney will advise you prior to the arraignment what to expect regarding the conditions of release (bail), the next appearance date, and the pretrial hearing.
Seattle Criminal Court
Arraignment