YOUR COMMUNITY RESOURCE FOR DUI DEFENSE: WASHINGTON STATE DUI BLOG

What Alcohol/Drug Treatment Agency do Seattle DUI Lawyers Recommend?

I use Assessment and Treatment Associates in Bellevue, Washington a lot for my DUI cases. They also have offices scattered throughout Puget Sound. I believe they are fair and will not pre-judge my client because of a high breath test or something.  See link: ATA

Can I Expunge or Vacate a Washington State DUI Conviction?

Unfortunately no. Washington State law does not allow you to expunge or vacate a DUI conviction. It is on your record for life. That is why it is very important to obtain an experienced Washington State or Seattle DUI attorney. Reductions to Reckless and Negligent Driving can be taken off your record. 

What's a Review or Show Cause Hearing?

A Review/Revocation or Show Cause Hearing (courts vary in what they call hearing) is set when you do not comply with the terms of your probation. (a probation violation) For example, you were ordered to get an alcohol/drug evaluation and follow the treatment recommendation; you complete the evaluation but drop out of treatment. The Court will order a Show Cause or Review/Revocation Hearing for you to explain what happened. You can deny violation present evidence and argument that you are in compliance. You can admit with explanation. If you admit or are found by the Court to have committed the violation (after denying it) the Court may impose Sanctions. The Sanctions may include revoking any Jail or Fines that were suspended. (For example, the Court revokes 2 days jail and $200 of the fines and orders you to get back into treatment.)  

Seattle's new Scofflaws law goes into effect July 1, 2011

Per - new City Ordinance No. 123447 - Starting July 1, 2011 vehicles that have four (4) or more unpaid parking tickets (infractions) are defined as Scofflaws. The following could happen to your vehicle:

Your vehicle will be immobilized ("booted") on a City street without notice.

• Once booted, to get the vehicle released - you will have 48 hours to pay all parking tickets, default penalties, interest, collections agency fees, and a boot fee.

• If you do not pay within 48 hours of being booted - the vehicle will be towed and impounded. To release the vehicle from impound, you will need to pay all fees and fines, plus tow fees, per Seattle Municipal Code.

• If your vehicle is not claimed from impound within 15 days - it will be sold at auction to help pay your debts.  See link to Ordinance: Scofflaws Ordinance

This is a pretty harsh new law and is not to be ignored! Seattle has a special program through June 30, 2011 to pay off your past due tickets. See my previous post. Check link to see if your vehicle has unpaid tickets: Does my vehicle have unpaid tickets in Seattle?

Seattle Municipal Court waiving Collection fees/interest for Traffic and Parking Tickets.

Seattle Municipal Court is having a Collections Reduction Event in May and June 2011. If you owe money to the Seattle Municipal Court for parking and traffic tickets that are in collections, you are eligible. Collection Fees and Interest will be Waived For Parking and Traffic Tickets if the Cases are Paid in Full. (some exceptions) For information call the Court at: 206-684-5600 or see the following link: Information Sheet Collections Reduction Event

What does a treatment program for a Deferred Prosecution look like?

A Deferred Prosecution for DUI or Physical Control in Washington State typically will look like the following sample treatment plan. The sample treatment plan below applies only to alcohol dependence or alcoholism - the most common treatment plan for a DUI Deferred Prosecution. (The actual plan can vary a little, but will be very close to the sample) There are also other conditions that apply to your Deferred Prosecution. (i.e. ignition interlock device)

2 Year Treatment:

Phase I

72 hours within 1 month (typically nightly group sessions - 5 days/week - some programs may spread hours/sessions over 2 months)

Phase II

1 group session per week for 26 weeks

Phase III

1 group session per month for 17 months 

2 AA’s per  week/2 years

Next 3 Years:

“On Your Own”; DUI  dismissed after 5 years if comply with all Court, probation, DOL and treatment conditions for the entire 5-year period. 

 

Should I plead guilty to DUI?

Although at first you may be tempted to go this direction, you must keep in mind that the ramifications of a Washington State DUI conviction are long term and severe, and should not be entered into lightly. The DUI mandatory minimums provide the sentencing Judge with very little flexibility. It is always best to obtain an experienced DUI attorney before entering any plea.