By law in Washington, the court will require that one convicted of DUI undergo an alcohol or drug evaluation to determine if there is a drug or alcohol problem. The court will also require that person to undergo any recommended treatment as a condition of sentence. Such recommendations will range from completing a one day Alcohol and Drug Information School to enrolling in a two (2) year intensive outpatient treatment program. The vast majority of judges extend these conditions even to cases where a DUI charge has been reduced to Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment or other lesser charges.
Because the likelihood of having to undergo such an evaluation is so great, in most cases it makes sense to have the evaluation done as soon as possible. It makes you look proactive in the eyes of the prosecutor and court as well as helps you to know the full extent of what you might be facing as soon as possible.
Prior to engaging in such an evaluation, make sure you speak with a Washington DUI lawyer. The importance of getting advice on this subject before acting can not be understated. Feel free to contact one of our DUI attorneys for a consultation on this issue.