If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Washington State:

After arresting you and processing you at the station, the police officer may have chosen to release you or to book you into the county jail. If the officer gave you a Citation, then you will have a mandatory court appearance date listed on that Citation. This will usually be the next business day following the issuance of the Citation. If booked, you will also have received a date and will appear before a judge, usually within 48 hours or the next business day.

That first date is called a Preliminary Appearance. If the court has no paperwork yet, then you will likely be released, but you may receive a Summons and Notice to Appear at a later date. If there is paperwork, then the court will decide whether there is probable cause to sustain the charge and will also set Conditions of Release and another court date. These conditions can include the posting of bail, and restrictions on you such as: not consuming or possessing alcohol, not driving without an ignition interlock, etc.

Arraignment: this is where the court will formally charge you with the crime and ask you what plea you want to enter. You should also be advised of all of your constitutional rights at this time and should be given an opportunity to talk to an attorney before you enter your plea. Once you have entered your plea, the court again decides what Conditions of Release should be imposed and then will set another court date.

After this your case proceeds to a disposition. This takes time, generally between 2 to 6 months or more.

If you are convicted, or you plead Guilty, the PENALTIES FOR A DUI can be very serious, including the possibility of additional sanctions from the Department of Licensing.

You are entitled to have a good lawyer, one who will fight to retain your driver’s license and keep you out of jail.

Find out if you have a case.
Your initial consultation is free.
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