THE DUISEATTLE.COM BLOG

What happens if I missed my Court date?

Generally, if you missed your DUI Court date in Washington State for whatever reason, the Judge will find a failure to appear (FTA) and - in most cases issue a Warrant. The FTA tolls (stops) jurisdiction or speedy trial on your case whichever is applicable. (speedy applies pre-trial) The Warrant amounts are typically from $500.00+ depending on the present charge, criminal history and previous FTA's. Search this blog for post on quashing (canceling) Warrants. 

How do I quash a warrant?

It depends on the Court. Each Court has it's own procedure. Generally, most have a Bench Warrant Calender weekly - which you can appear at to quash the warrant. Others, allow you to quash the warrant at the Clerk's office. Check the particular Court's website for information or call the Court Clerk. 

What happens if I missed my DUI Court date?

If you missed your DUI Court date, the Court will find a failure to appear (FTA) and in most cases issue a warrant. The warrant amounts are typically from $500.00 plus --depending on your previous criminal and DUI history. The Court can also say no PR (personal recognizance) which means you will have to post bail or appear in Court to get released. Bail Bondsmen typically require 10% of the bail amount. 

What does an ignition interlock license look like?

Alot of people have asked me what the Ignition Interlock License (IIL) looks like in Washington State.  So, I have provided a link to a sample of the license. IIL sample  It is not your typical picture driver's license. You will have to carry this document with you when driving. 

How do I quash a Warrant in King County District Court?

See link below for each Courthouse's procedure for quashing Warrants: King County District Court Warrant Procedure. See previous post for more information on quashing DUI Warrants: Warrant Information.

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.

How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant in Snohomish County District Court?

Missed your DUI Court date in Snohomish County District Court? See link which lists outstanding misdemeanor warrants in Snohomish County District Court.

District Court misdemeanor outstanding warrants