SEATTLE DOL Hearings

WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING HEARING FOR DUI

If you have been arrested for the offense of Driving Under the Influence and your breath test is over .08% (.02 or higher for minors - under the age of 21) or you refused the breath test, the Department of Licensing will take an Administrative action on your privilege to drive in Washington State. It is important to remember, the administrative action is completely separate from any possible criminal case pending against you.

IMPORTANT!

You only have 20 days from your arrest to request a DOL hearing to contest license suspension or revocation. If you do not request a hearing within 20 days from the date of your arrest, your right to dispute your license suspension or revocation will be waived and your license will be subject to automatic suspension or revocation.

Per state law, a person who operates a motor vehicle within the state is deemend to have given implied consent to a breath test if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. If a person subject to such arrest refuses to give a breath test, or gives a breath test above the legal limit, that person is subject to a suspension of their driver's license or ability to get a license.

Depending upon the circumstances of your case, your license will be automatically suspended:

• First DUI Offense - 90 days automatic suspension
• Refusal to submit to breath/blood testing - 1 year automatic revocation
• Prior offense within 7 years - 2 year automatic revocation

WHAT HAPPENS AT A DOL HEARING?

A DOL hearing is a hearing conducting by a hearing officer who has the authority to determine whether or not your license will be suspended. You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in this hearing. The hearing officer will start recording the call (most are conducted by telephone) and will review the evidence that the department has received. During this step, your attorney can step in and object to the admission of certain evidence. Depending on the circumstances of your case, testimony may be offered on your behalf as well as any legal arguments to further your case.

During this step, your attorney can present a legal defense that is geared to protecting your license. You don't even have to be present in order for your attorney to handle your DOL Hearing. With the help of a competent and skilled Seattle DUI attorney from our firm, you have a much greater chance of retaining your license after a DUI arrest. Contact us today for representation during your DOL hearing!