Washington State DUI Arraignment -
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some answers to the many questions I'm asked about DUI Laws and procedures in Washington State. The categories of questions are as follows:

Washington State Drunk Driving Arraignment - FAQs: 

1. What is an arraignment?
2. What happens at the arraignment? 
3. Do I need an attorney at my arraignment?
4. What do I need to do to prepare for my arraignment?
5. What should I plead at the arraignment? 
6. I was drunk, should I just plead guilty at the arraignment?

What is an arraignment?

This is the date on your ticket.  It is mandatory that you appear in court.  The first appearance, the arraignment, is primarily for advisement of your rights under Washington State DUI laws, and your opportunity to declare “not guilty”.  If you have an attorney, that attorney will advise you of the proper procedures.

My 2nd DUI, reduced to Negligent Driving. Mark is amazing. Prosecuting Attorney would not budge. I had an attorney prior that was experienced.  He suggested I go Deferred Prosecution. No other way or 45 days minimal in Jail! I dismissed him. Then found Mark. He was kind enough to take my case. He presented the Prosecuting Attorney with a blast of data. She budged!! No jail! No deferred! Only minimal fine! What can I say other than he is incredible! Do ALL things he asks of you. This is so very important. You WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IN MARK. Thanks MARK L.G., Former Client

What happens at the arraignment? 

The arraignment is your opportunity to enter a plea of NOT guilty and then ask for a jury trial. The court will impose some conditions as a condition for your release. These conditions may include: 

• No further criminal law violations. 
• A promise to appear at a future court date. 
• A promise to not possess or consume alcohol, or even an order by the court to not appear in any locations that serve alcohol. 
• An order to install an ignition interlock. 
• A promise to drive only if properly licensed and insured. 
• A promise to keep the court informed of any change in address. 
• A promise to seek an attorney (if you don't want the assistance of a public defender).

NOTE: if the judge deems you to be a threat to society or fears that you may flee the area, you may be placed in custody at the arraignment. Contact me in person at (425) 422-5818 to discuss the possibility of being placed into custody at your arraignment.

Do I need an attorney at my arraignment?

In most cases, an experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the arraignment with no problems. Each court conducts the arraignment differently.

What do I need to do to prepare for my arraignment? 

If you have had some time since the violation date, it may be important to have an alcohol consultation to hand to the court. This is not always necessary, and procuring a consultation without an attorney may be counterproductive. Call me at (425) 422-5818 to talk about a consultation in your case and where I suggest you go for your consultation.

What should I plead at the arraignment? 

99% of the time you should enter a plea of NOT guilty. Even if you change your mind at a later time, the court will most likely not hold the earlier plea against you. The penalties for DUI are severe and the court understands. The court wants you to talk to an attorney and they want you to understand exactly what you are doing.

I had never been arrested before, I didn't know DUI law, and I was considering going with a public defender. If you are in a similar situation, my advice is that you hire Mark. The prosecutor and judge can turn your life upside down even if your BAC is below .08. I learned afterward that many DUI attorneys charge more than twice what Mark charges, and they aren't as good. Mark insured that I got the best outcome possible, which in my case was a significantly reduced charge that might not even raise my insurance rates. When the process was over, I told Mark that I was sorry it had ended because it was so good to be working with him. T.B., Former Client

I was drunk, should I just plead guilty at the arraignment?

 Again, the penalties are severe for DUI. Even on cases where you think there is no hope, there may be hope. Do NOT plead guilty for convenience.

 [more WA DUI FAQs - Courts]

Please call me for your free consultation to discuss any of these questions and how they may apply in your case, or if you have additional questions that I haven't covered.

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