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What happnes after a DUI arrest in Washington?

After an arrest for a DUI in Washington, your license may be suspended, though it will typically not be suspended immediately after the arrest. If notified that your drving privileges are going to be suspended, revoked, denied, or restricted, you may request a hearing or an administrative review to contest the action.

At the hearing, the hearing officer will consider:

Whether you were lawfully placed under arrest.
Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to believe: (1) that you were driving or were in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or (2) that you were under the age of 21 years and were driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.
Whether you were advised of the Implied Consent Warnings.
Whether you refused the breath or blood test.
Whether the breath or blood test exceeded the legal limits:
.08 or more if over age 21,
.02 or more if under age 21.
.04 or more if driving a commercial vehicle.
Whether the breath or blood test was administered according to the law; and
Washington State Toxicologist Rules.

You have the right to be represented by an attorney at the hearing. To best protect your legal rights after a DUI arrest, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Other Washington Drunk Driving Defense FAQs

Q: Can I refuse to take a breath or blood test if stopped for drunk driving in Washington?
A: Under Washington’s Implied Consent laws, any person who operates a motor vehicle is deemed to have given consent to a test of his or her breath or blood for the … More
Q: Will my driver license be suspended immediately after I’m stopped for DUI?
A: No. After you're stopped and charged with a DUI, the amount of time until your license is actually suspensed depends on the type of offense charged. If … More
Q: How do I contest a DUI-related license suspension?
A: If you are arrested for DUI, you may request a hearing within 20 days of the arrest. In most cases, the law enforcement officer will give you a hearing request … More
Q: Will I Be Able To Get My Case Dismissed Because I Was Not Read My Rights?
A: Probably not. But if you were interrogated after being placed in custody, your statements can not be used against you.
Q: Will I Go To Jail?
A: While there are mandatory minimums if you plead guilty, or are found guilty of a DUI, an experienced attorney may be able to keep you out of jail.
Q: I Had Two Alcohol Offenses When I Was Younger. What Will Happen To My License If I Have A Third Conviction?
A: You face two agencies who will attempt to revoke your driver¹s license. What will happen to you after a third conviction may depend upon how long its been since … More
Q: I Have Three Serious Offenses Within Seven Years, What Will Become Of My License?
A: You face a four year loss of license by both the court and the Department of Licensing. The bestcase scenario is an eight hour alcohol information school, but to … More
Q: What Will Happen If I Do Not Complete The Classes Or Public Service Ordered By The Court?
A: You will go to jail.
Q: I Lost My Washington License. May I Obtain A License In Another State?
A: In most cases, no.
Q: If I Obtain An International Driver's License, May I Drive In State, Even Though My Washington License Is Revoked?
A: No.