January 1, 2009

I have just been arrested for a Washington DUI - what do I do immediately?

A Washington DUI is a very different type of offense because it includes a criminal component and a civil component. The way in which these two very unique components begin is also very different. The criminal side begins with a court date that you either receive from the officer at the time of your Washington DUI arrest (rare these days) or that you receive in the mail from the court. Thus, in most Washington DUI criminal cases, there is no time sensitive task that you need to accomplish except for making the important decision of who is going to represent you.

The purpose of this blurb is to ensure that everyone understands that the civil side, which is conducted by the Department of Licensing (DOL), requires you to take the first action. Your role here is proactive. The form (Driver's Hearing Request) that you should have received from the officer at the time of your Washington DUI arrest must be postmarked* within a certain timeframe or you will automatically lose your privilege to drive in Washington State. I will explain your responsibilities, the form and the time requirements to you during the free Washington DUI consultation. JUST REMEMBER, you must act first with the DOL.

• Washington DUI: The Process
• Washington DUI Penalties
• Department of Licensing Penalties
• Your Immediate FAQs
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• Client Testimonials
• Other Areas of Criminal Practice