No matter where you were arrested for DUI within the State of Washington, being proactive in your own defense is the best advice any DUI lawyer can give you. However, exactly what specific advice that would be changes with respect to the person's DUI history, their own individual circumstances, and the jurisdiction and court that their DUI is in. If your case is in Seattle Municipal Court, there are some very specific steps we will usually advise a person to take. Below is an example of the types of things we recommend. Keep in mind, this advice is modified from person to person. Always consult with a Seattle DUI lawyer before engaging in activities that related to your Seattle DUI charge.
Interview and consult with prospective Seattle DUI lawyers
This step would seem to go without saying, but many people wait too long to start this process. Especially in Seattle Municipal Court, where charges are filed almost immediately, is it important to consult with DUI lawyers as soon as possible. By doing so you can learn about the judge who will be arraigning you, the possible initial pretrial conditions you should try to avoid and how to do so. Based upon factors such as your DUI and other criminal history, the level of the BAC, and whether or not there was an accident all play a role in how the Seattle judge treats you at this first appearance. It is not uncommon for bail to be imposed, an order for an ignition interlock be made or even to be remanded into home detention at a Seattle arraignment. Even if you are not prepared to hire a DUI lawyer at this early stage, you should still consult with at least one so that you can be prepared for your first hearing.
Obtain an alcohol or drug evaluation
In almost every DUI case, regardless of how it is eventually resolved, a person charged with DUI will need to undergo this evaluation. In many cases, it makes sense to begin this process before your first court date, especially in Seattle Municipal Court. Taking this initial step proactively helps to ease the court's concerns about how you will act during the course of the DUI process. Be sure to consult with a Seattle DUI attorney before scheduling this evaluation but plan on undergoing one sooner rather than later. For more on treatment evaluations go to Washington Alcohol Treatment Evaluations.
Consider engaging in community service
In the spirit of being proactive, it is often helpful to do some positive things within the community prior to being asked (or told) to do so by the court. It helps to differentiate you from the hundreds of other people who are also going through the same thing and it normally gains you some special consideration when that time comes. It won't get you out of the DUI charge in and of itself, but community service, much more often than not, does pay dividends. Consult with one of our Seattle DUI lawyers to see if community service is a good idea in your case and for places to complete the volunteer work.
Actively engage in the process
No matter where your DUI is pending, a no matter who you choose to represent you, be sure that you remain actively engaged in the entire DUI process. Review your police report, schedule time to discuss it with your lawyer, ask questions, and always make sure you understand exactly what the strategy is and why. Only by being involved can you ensure that your interests are being represented.
If you have specific questions about the Seattle DUI defense process, or about DUI defense anywhere in the State of Washington, contact our offices. One of our DUI attorneys will sit down with you and help you plan out what is best for your DUI defense.