A DUI arrest starts two cases, not one.
There is the criminal charge, and there is a separate licensing action at the Department of Licensing with its own short deadline. Miss the second one and you lose options nobody can give back.
Call before the hearing window closes. The licensing case moves on its own schedule, whatever the court does.
Schedule a callWhat we look at
The breath test
Washington agencies use machines approved by the State Toxicology Lab. Datamaster and newer Draeger results can be used in court — the roadside handheld generally cannot.
Drug & marijuana DUI
Washington law is far less specific for drugs than for alcohol. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs count, including Ambien, oxycodone and even Wellbutrin or Zoloft.
The DOL case
Blowing over .08, refusing, or a blood draw can trigger mandatory suspension. You have to request the hearing — it doesn't happen for you.
Getting back on the road
Most drivers facing suspension can qualify for an Ignition Interlock License and keep driving under conditions.
Negligent driving in the first degree
A misdemeanor that can rest on driving that could endanger someone plus signs of alcohol or a drug — often the lesser landing spot.
CDL & commercial drivers
Commercial driving with alcohol in your system is its own charge, and a CDL carries consequences a regular license doesn't.
First two weeks
Protect the license first
We identify the DOL deadline before anything else and request the hearing. That window is short and unforgiving.
Get the file
The stop, the roadside tests, the machine's maintenance and calibration records, the officer's report, and any video.
Test the science
Testing procedure, the machine used, the timing, and whether the state can actually prove what it charged.
Resolve or try it
Suppression or dismissal where the facts support it; a resolution that protects your record and your license where they don't.
Questions people ask
Yes. For some people one glass of wine is enough to be over the limit or to support a prosecution, and we've seen charges filed on exactly that. A combination with a prescription or over-the-counter drug can do it even when the alcohol is minimal.
Usually yes, under conditions. The Ignition Interlock License is available to most drivers facing suspension or revocation who install the device and meet the other requirements.
Generally not in court. Results from the hand-held device at the roadside are usually inadmissible in court and administrative proceedings — the evidentiary breath test at the station is the one that matters.
Refusal has its own licensing consequences and you can still fight both cases. You need to request the DOL hearing to challenge the suspension.
Call the office and the message gives you a cell number. For DUI and related charges we make ourselves available as soon as we can.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
One free conversation, no pressure, and a straight answer about where you stand.