When should I expect DUI charges to be filed?
That depends entirely on which jurisdiction your arrest occurred in. Some cases are filed within 24 hours. Others take weeks or even months. In very rare case, a case will slip through the cracks and not get filed. Call us to see what to expect based upon where you were arrested and which police agency arrested you. Or visit our Where Were You Arrested? page.
How long does the State have before DUI charges must be filed?
A DUI in Washington is gross misdemeanor. All gross misdemeanors must be filed by the prosecuting attorney within two years or they lose the jurisdiction to do so.
What happens at my arraignment?
The arraignment represents the first stage in the criminal prosecution. You will plead not guilty and be given a return court date for a pretrial hearing. A judge may also impose conditions on you in order for you to remain free while the case is pending. Follow this link for a more detailed discussion.
How can my Washington DUI charge be dismissed?
A DUI can be dismissed either by decision of the prosecutor, order of the court after motion hearings or by an acquittal after a jury or non-jury trial. The specifics of how this would occur or the likelihood of a dismissal can only be discussed after a full consultation and consideration of the fact in your case.
Is it likely that my case will go to trial?
Most DUI cases in Washington do not go to trial. However, you need to prepare as if the case will go to trial. The vast majority of the DUI cases we handle do not result in a DUI conviction. A major part of that equation is that we treat every case as if will go to trial and prepare accordingly.