Though this site is mainly dedicated to Seattle DUI and DUI charges filed in Seattle Municipal Court, there is certain information anyone charged with a DUI anywhere in Washington State needs to be aware of. Below is a synopsis of these issues as well as links to more detailed information.
Seattle DUI Plea Negotiations
Every case that is filed as DUI has the potential to be reduced to a charge that is less serious than a DUI. It is the job of the DUI lawyer to negotiate every case with the prosecutor in an attempt to secure the best deal possible under the circumstances. That doesn't mean that the client has to accept that deal. If the negotiated deal is not in the client's best interest, the case should be set for trial.
Lesser Offenses: Charges to which DUI cases are routinely reduced
When DUI charges are reduced, it is generally to one of three different charges; Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, and Negligent Driving in the First Degree. There are certainly other possibilities as well, but these are the three most common results. For more information on other criminal traffic offenses go to Other Criminal Traffic Offenses. For a full description of potential Seattle DUI outcomes go to Potential DUI Outcomes.
Deferred Prosecution
Deferred Prosecution is a treatment oriented resolution that can allow a DUI defendant to escape a DUI conviction upon completion of an intensive alcohol treatment program, among other very onerous obligations. It is not right for everyone and should only be entered into after very serious consideration of all of the other alternatives. To research if deferred prosecution is appropriate in your case go to Is Deferred Prosecution Right For You?
DUI warrants
If you or someone you know has missed a court date in Seattle Municipal Court, it is very likely that an arrest warrant has been issued. In Seattle Municipal Court, warrants can be quashed in one of three ways. First, cash bail in the amount required by the issuing judge can be paid directly to the court clerk or the jail. Second, when allowed by the issuing judge, a bail bondsmen can be used to post bond on behalf of the defendant. Finally, in certain cases, the court can be directly petitioned to lower the bail amount or to quash the warrant altogether. For a complete treatment of quashing warrants in Seattle and the rest of Washington State go to Quashing Warrants in Washington Criminal Courts.
Travel to Canada: Denial of Entry
In this part of the country, traveling to and from Canada is a bigger concern than in most of the rest of the United States. Travel restrictions into Canada for individuals with DUI or DUI related convictions are very severe. When in doubt, a Canadian immigration attorney should be consulted. For a more detail description go to DUI and Travel Restrictions Into Canada.
Immigration Consequences
Just like there would be concerns as to how a criminal conviction would affect a U.S. citizen's ability to travel to another country, non-U.S. citizens should be equally concerned as to how a conviction will affect their ability to travel to or remain in the United States. Non-citizens facing criminal charges, DUI included, should consult with an immigration attorney. Go to DUI and Immigration Concerns for more information.