YOUR COMMUNITY RESOURCE FOR DUI DEFENSE: WASHINGTON STATE DUI BLOG

Outstanding Warrant because of missed court date - what's the next step?

Alot of people miss their scheduled DUI Court appearances for many reasons:

•  The police officer writes down your address wrong; 
•  You did not change your address after moving;
•  You were out of town when the subpoena notice came to your mailbox;
•  You opened your mail late; or 
•  You just weren't ready to deal with it. 

Whatever the reason for the warrant - the thing to remember is that you will probably be arrested if you are stopped by a law enforcment officer. The good news is that most Courts have a warrant quash procedure and weekly calenders where you can appear in person and quash (recall/stop) the warrant. You need to call the Court (or check online the Court's website) that gave you notice and find out what their particular procedure is for quashing warrants.

Most Courts will require your appearance in person to schedule the Court appearance. Some Courts will allow you to quash the warrant at the Court clerks window if it is below a certain amount (i.e. $1000.00) and pay a warrant fee (i.e. $75.00). The key is TO DO SOMETHING - so you don't have this horrible uncertainity over your head. Once you appear at the scheduled Court appearance, most Courts will simply release you on your own PR (personal recognizance) with standard DUI conditions (obviously this depends somewhat on your prior history and the reason for missing the Court date) and set a new Court date. If arraignment was the missed hearing, some Courts will do the DUI arraignment at that time.

What is the ignition interlock device "exemption" for employer vehicles?

In Washington State, if you are required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on all vehicles you drive there is an IID exemption for work vehicles.

There are several scenarios in which this may be helpful:

(1) Court requires an IID as a pre-trial condition of release pending trial; (court somtimes will send notice to DOL of IID requirement - can also ask court to exclude in courts written IID or conditions of release order)

(2) Ignition Interlock License (IIL) required during a DOL administrative or DUI/Physical Control conviction "hard" suspension period;  

(3) IID required after the license suspension period because of a DUI/Physical Control conviction or 2nd et.al Reckless or Negligent Driving conviction within 7 years (i.e. 1, 5, 10 year restriction periods):

(4) IID required during a Deferred Prosecution.

 

To qualify for the IID exemption your employer requires you to drive:

(a) a vehicle;

(b) during working hours and;

(c) the vehicle is owned, leased, rented, or the temporary responsibility of your employer.

See link for DOL form and follow the instructions. IID Employer Declaration. You must carry a copy of this form on your person. 

What Alcohol/Drug treatment evaluators or agencies do you use the most in King County?

Although, it varies somewhat, my clients have used the following alcohol/drug evaluators or agencies frequently.  

See links: 

Assessment & Treatment Associates

Jill Loveland Associates

Associated Behavorial Health

Can I travel outside the country with a DUI conviction?

It depends. It is advisable to check with the specific countries embassy or consulate just to be safe if you plan on any traveling outside the country with a DUI conviction. The State Department can also be helpful in this regard. (I am sure there are countries that a DUI conviction would be problematic) Most countries - there probably won't be a problem. However, you do not want to spend lots of monies just to be denied entry when you arrive.

The exception is Canada where any DUI conviction can bar entry. (although waivers may be available - check with Canadian immigration attorney for the latest laws) 

Also, if this is your second or subsequent DUI conviction you may be subject to the interstate compact. Interstate Compact You will need to check with an experienced DUI attorney on the latter.

Where can I find a free online DUI case evaluation?

Kotlowski Law Office offers a free online case evaluation for any Washington State DUI arrest. Obviously, we are not your attorney and can only give general information at this point without seeing the police report. However, alot of people still find this very helpful.  

You can also come into my office for an in-person free consultation which is what most people prefer. 

Contact James for free in-person DUI consultation

free online case evaluation

Is the Ignition Interlock Device required on a Reckless Driving conviction?

It depends. Not on a first offense. However, if it is a Reckless Driving conviction reduced from DUI and you have one prior offense within seven (7) years - it is required for six (6) months. Prior offense would include negligent/reckless driving/endangerment reductions, deferred prosecutions and DUI's/Physical Control. This change in the law went into effect on September 1, 2011.

Can I look-up my license status on-line in real time?

Yes. The Washington State Department of Licensing allows you to look-up your license status on-line in real time. You can always find out if your driver's license is valid by accessing this site. Look-up License Status