YOUR COMMUNITY RESOURCE FOR DUI DEFENSE: WASHINGTON STATE DUI BLOG

Should I hire a private attorney for my DUI?

Yes, if you are able to do so. Most public defenders (PD) I know are very good attorneys. However, they simply have too many cases through no fault of their own. Sometimes, as many as 100-150 at any given time.

If you want somebody to walk you through the DUI Court Process as well as the DOL process and always be accessible - it is usually better to obtain private counsel, if at all possible. (I give my clients my cell phone number - no other attorney in my office does that!) We have all been to a restaurant where the waiter or waitress were serving many many more tables then he or she should have been. As a result, things just didn't go as smoothly as we may have liked. It is the same thing with private attorneys - I am serving only so many clients at a time and therefore able to provide more personal attention to your DUI case and specific needs or considerations. I have many clients who would be eligible for the PD, but instead make small monthly payments to my office. (Also, the PD can not represent you in the Civil Administrative Department of Licensing Hearing.) 

Can I get an Ignition Interlock License with an Out-of-State Driver's License?

Not yet. Under current law, you must have had a valid Washington State Driver's License that was suspended or revoked because of a DUI and/or Physical Control conviction or a DUI Administrative Action. (this left residents licensed out-of-state, i.e. students, temporary workers among others with no way to drive during a suspension or revocation period) 

Effective, August 1, 2012, any Washington resident would be eligible to apply for the Ignition Interlock License (IIL) - even if not previously licensed in Washington State or elsewhere. However, the Washington Department of Licensing can still require the driver applying for the IIL - to take any applicable driver's licensing examination/tests and have any other applicable temporary restricted license under RCW 46.20.391.  

Can I get an Ignition Interlock License with a Reckless Driving conviction?

Not yet. Under current law, you can only get an Ignition Interlock License (IIL) with a DUI or  DUI Administrative suspension. However, on August 1, 2012 this changes - so if you are lucky enough to obtain a reduction to Reckless Driving and you previously had or have an IIL from a DUI Administrative suspension you will not have to get the occupational restricted license (ORL) for the 30-day Reckless suspension. (you will also get credit on a day-for-day basis)

Does Hit & Run Attended have a license suspension?

Yes. In Washington State, Hit & Run Attended has a one (1) year license revocation. Attended means that there was someone in the vehicle when you hit it. Whereas, Hit & Run Unattended is like hitting an unoccupied parked vehicle and does not have a license suspension.

How can I find out if someone is still in King County Jail?

Arrested for DUI? See link for King County, Washington Jail Register. King County Jail Register

Can I get financial assistance for the Ignition Interlock Device?

Yes. See attached application for applying for Washington State financial assistance for the ignition interlock device (IID). IID Financial Assistance 

How often is a DUI charge dismissed?

Not very often. In the last few months, I have had this happen in several DUI cases. The mostly likely scenario for your DUI case is a reduction or plea bargain to a lesser or amended charge such as Reckless or Negligent Driving. These are the most common DUI reductions in Washington State. Reckless Endangerment is also a possibility. Obviously, the likelihood of any reduction is going to depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history and the Court you are in.