The Toughest DUI Laws in the Country

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Washington State carries the stiffest DUI penalties in the country. A single arrest will dramatically change your life. Therefore, it’s important to retain a Washington lawyer experienced in DUI cases. If your lawyer is familiar with prosecutors and local practices, you have a higher chance of meeting the special rules and demands of the court, and therefore enhancing your chance of winning.

Here are some key aspects of the tough DUI laws in Washington:

· Immediate appearance – most courts will take maybe a month or two before prosecutors file your DUI case. But not in Washington. If you are arrested for DUI in this state, a court appearance will be required from you within 48 hours starting from the next business day.

· Pre-trial release policies – the prosecutors of most courthouses will not seek to increase bail during the first court appearance. However, Washington prosecutors will usually request pre-trial release conditions and substantial bail on all DUI cases. These include things such as abstinence from all alcohol, immediate installation of devices such as ignition interlock, and attending alcohol abuse classes as well.

· Oftentimes, alleged DUI offenders (who will appear in court unrepresented) are taken immediately to jail until they post bail. No credit cards or personal checks are accepted for it. They really have to stay in jail until arrangements are made. Therefore, it’s critical that an experienced DUI Washington lawyer represent them and ensure their immediate release.

Tags: dui, Washington, Washington lawyer
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