DUI Arrest in Washington: What to Expect in the Days, Weeks, and Months Ahead

A DUI arrest doesn’t end when you’re released from custody—it’s just the beginning of a long legal process that can affect your license, career, finances, and freedom.

DUI Arrest in Washington

Most people have two immediate questions after a DUI arrest:

  • What happens next?
  • What can I do to protect myself?

This guide breaks down the timeline after a DUI arrest and what steps you should take at every stage to give yourself the best chance of avoiding the harshest penalties.

The First 24 Hours After a DUI Arrest

Booking & Release

After a DUI arrest, you will typically be:

  • Taken to jail for processing
  • Photographed and fingerprinted
  • Released on bail or your own recognizance

Some people spend the night in jail, while others are released within hours. If your DUI involved an accident, injuries, or a prior conviction, you may face a higher bail or stricter release conditions.

Your Driver’s License is at Risk

After your DUI arrest, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) will suspend your license unless you request a hearing within seven days.

This is a very real deadline: you have just 7 days to challenge your license suspension.

This hearing is separate from your criminal case. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your license automatically—even if the DUI charge is later dropped.

Solution: Contact a DUI attorney immediately to file the hearing request.

The First Two Weeks: Preparing for Your Court Date

Arraignment – Your First Court Appearance

Your arraignment is your first court hearing, usually held within a few days to a few weeks after your arrest – the time varies widely depending on the court and case backlogs.

At this hearing:

  • You will enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
  • The judge may set conditions (like alcohol monitoring or travel restrictions)
  • Your trial date may be scheduled

Tip: Always plead NOT GUILTY at arraignment—even if you think you were over the limit. Pleading guilty too soon can eliminate possible defenses.

The First Month: License Suspension & Evidence Review

The DOL License Suspension Hearing

If you requested a DOL hearing, you and your attorney will argue why your license should not be suspended. The state only needs to prove by a preponderance of evidence (a lower standard than criminal court) that your BAC was over .08% or you refused the test.

Possible Outcomes:

  • Win the hearing – Keep your license.
  • Lose the hearing – License suspension goes into effect (90 days to 2 years, depending on prior offenses).

Solution: If your license is suspended, you may be able to get an Ignition Interlock License (IIL) that allows you to drive legally.

Discovery & Reviewing the Evidence

We will obtain the police report, breathalyzer results, body cam footage, and witness statements to examine the prosecution’s case for weaknesses.

Common Issues That Can Help Your Case:

  • Illegal traffic stop (no reasonable suspicion)
  • Improper breath test procedures
  • Medical conditions that may have skewed BAC results
  • Errors in the police report

Months After Arrest: Negotiation & Trial Preparation

Pretrial Hearings & Possible Plea Bargains

Most DUI cases don’t go to trial—they are resolved in pretrial hearings through negotiation or dismissal.

Possible Outcomes at This Stage:

  • Case Dismissed – If the evidence is weak or your rights were violated.
  • Charges Reduced – To reckless or negligent driving (avoiding a DUI on your record).
  • DUI Deferred Prosecution – If alcohol dependency is a factor, you may qualify for a treatment-based alternative instead of a conviction.

Tip: Your attorney may negotiate for reduced penalties or an alternative sentence that protects your license and career.

What If My Case Goes to Trial?

If no plea deal is reached, your DUI case will go to trial before a judge or jury.

  • The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving impaired.
  • Your attorney can cross-examine the arresting officer and challenge breath test accuracy.
  • If convicted, you will face sentencing, which could include jail time, fines, probation, and IID installation.

Solution: Many DUI cases never reach trial because a skilled attorney identifies weaknesses that force the prosecution to offer a better deal or drop the charges.

The Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction

If convicted, you face:

  • License Suspension – 90 days to 4 years
  • Fines & Court Fees – Up to $5,000
  • Jail Time – Up to 364 days (even for a first offense)
  • SR-22 Insurance – Required for 3 years, leading to higher premiums
  • Ignition Interlock Device (IID) – Mandatory for all DUI convictions

A DUI conviction stays on your record permanently—there’s no expungement for DUIs in Washington.

What You Should Do Now

The first steps you take after a DUI arrest are critical. Here’s what you should do immediately:

  • Request a DOL hearing.
  • Do NOT plead guilty at arraignment—talk to a lawyer first.
  • Gather evidence – Write down everything you remember about the stop.
  • Consult a DUI defense attorney ASAP – The sooner you get help, the stronger your defense will be.

Facing DUI Charges? Get Legal Help Now

At Knauss Law, we fight aggressively to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and minimize penalties.

Call us today at 425-300-5566 for a consultation, and let us help you take control of your situation.