Arrested for DUI? Here is What You Need to Know Regardless of Covid
Posted Wednesday, December 23, 2020 by Andrew Charles Huff
Covid-19 has changed the way we go about our daily business such as jobs, seeing friends and our daily activities. But for the many arrested for Driving Under the Influence, the procedures have not changed much, and immediate action is still needed on your case.
DOL Administrative Hearing
Once you are arrested for Driving Under the Influence, you still have only seven days to request an administrative hearing with the Department of Licensing. This is done with a form mailed or filed on-line with DOL.
Arraignment
An Arraignment Hearing is normally your first appearance before a judge in court and you can anticipate being formally charged with an offense. A Not Guilty plea is entered and a Pre-Trial Hearing is then set on your case.
What Can Happen at a DUI Pre-Trial Hearing?
A Pre-Trial hearing provides the opportunity to resolve your case, set it for a different type of hearing or continue your case to another Pre-Trial Hearing. This “continuance” can allow further negotiation with the prosecutor for a potential resolution to the case.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a DUI Case?
There is no magic number about the time it takes to resolve a DUI matter. It can depend on how soon the evidence is provided, whether further testing is needed and properly verified, and any additional investigation required. For example, for a case involving a blood draw, it can take at least 8 months before results will be back. Washington State currently uses only one location for all testing of blood in DUI cases.
What Can I Do While My Case is Pending?
Any time you are arrested for Driving Under the Influence, you will need to obtain an alcohol/drug assessment. In addition, most will also be required to complete a DUI Victim’s Panel class for all cases. Having these requirements complete can help your attorney negotiate with the prosecutor. It is also a good idea to know what will be expected of you before your case resolves.
