Reader’s Question:

A friend of mine was arrested for DUI in Renton, Washington and none of us actually really know what happens after a DUI arrest. What does he need to understand about his DUI case first and foremost?

Cailyn

Renton, WA

The very first thing that your friend needs to understand after his DUI arrest in Renton, Washington is that he is facing two separate prosecutions. The first case would be with the Washington State Department of Licensing. If he either provided a blood or breath sample that was above .08 percent, or he refused to submit to a blood or breath test at the hospital or police station, the Washington State Department of Licensing would attempt to suspend his driver’s license for a minimum 90 days to one year.

The second case that he would face after his DUI arrest is in the Washington criminal court system. The court where he will be ordered to appear would depend largely on where he was arrested. The DUI criminal court trial would start at his arraignment wherein he would enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. If he hired a DUI lawyer, he would not be required to appear on his first court date.

Tags: DUI, DUI lawyer, DUI trial