FAQs

Q1. The officer who stopped me for DUI punched a hole in my driver's license. Was my license suspended immediately after I was stopped for DUI?

You have every right to challenge this suspension with the DOL, but you must remember that you only have 30 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative hearing. Even if you have not received information regarding a criminal case against you, it is important that you invoke your right to challenge the DOL's intended license suspension. It is recommended that you contact a DUI Attorney immediately to discuss your options.

Q2. If I am convicted of DUI, will I have to go to jail?

In Washington state, the law places mandatory minimums on sentencing for a DUI conviction. Even for a first DUI conviction, you will be required to spend 1 day in jail if your BAC level was below .15 percent, or if your case is one where you did not submit a breath test, yet did not refuse the breath test. A first time DUI offender faces even stiffer mandatory minimums if convicted of DUI with a BAC level above .15 percent, or if they refuse to submit a breath sample. In those cases, there is a minimum sentence of 2 days in jail.

You can read more about the penalties for DUI.

Q3. I was stopped for DUI, but the officer never told me when I have to appear in court. Will I be charged?

The fact that the officer never gave you a date to appear in court does not mean that you will not be charged for DUI. In these circumstances, the officer will likely forward the arrest information to the prosecutor's office, and you will be sent a notice from the court about when and where to appear.

It is important that you contact a DUI Attorney after you have been stopped for DUI, regardless of whether or not you have been issued a court date. Not only will a DUI Attorney be able to answer your questions, hopefully setting your mind at ease, but there are important time deadlines that must be considered after a stop for DUI. For example, in Washington you only have thirty days after notification of a driver's license suspension to challenge the suspension.

Q4. What is an Ignition Interlock Device? Will I have to get one in my car if I get a DUI?

An Ignition Interlock device is an in-car alcohol breath screening device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over a particular pre-set limit. The device is located inside the vehicle, near the driver's seat, and is connected to the engine's ignition system.

If convicted of DUI, a person must install an Ignition Interlock Device in their car for a minimum of one year from the time they are eligible to reinstate their driver's license. Under certain circumstances, such as when a person seeks to obtain an occupational restricted license, an Ignition Interlock Device may also be required. These are Washington state requirements, so they will affect a driver whether he/she is convicted of a Redmond DUI, Edmonds DUI, Lynnwood DUI, Kent DUI, or any other Washington District or Municipal Court.

Q5. How long will a DUI conviction stay on my record?

Unfortunately, Washington state law does not allow for a DUI to be vacated, or expunged, from your record. RCW 9.96.060 provides, in pertinent part, that: An [person] may not have the record of conviction for a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offense vacated if...the offense was a violation of RCW 46.61.502 (driving while under the influence), or 46.61.504 (actual physical control while under the influence)

Q6. Will the cost of my car insurance increase after a DUI?

It's possible. The cost of your car insurance will be a decision made by your particular car insurance carrier. You should note, though, that if convicted of DUI, you will required to obtain SR-22 insurance.

The Seattle DUI Firm — DUI Attorneys serving those cited for Seattle DUI, Redmond DUI, Edmonds DUI, Bellevue DUI, Lynnwood DUI, Kent DUI, and all King County District and Municipal Courts. Our Seattle DUI Attorneys are now taking cases in Pierce and Snohomish Counties.