WASHINGTON STATE DUI BLOGtag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-17115902013-05-21T15:11:32-07:00Your Community Resource for DUI Defense in Washington State. Writings of Seattle DUI Lawyer and Seattle Criminal Lawyer W. James Kotlowski. A Discussion of Washington State DUI, Department of Licensing and Criminal Traffic Law Issues. 20 years of experience. Call or Text - 206.335.2422 for a Free Consultation.
TypePadWhat happens if I violate my Pre-Trial DUI Conditions of Release?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301901c6d3b66970b2013-05-21T15:11:32-07:002013-05-21T18:32:16-07:00The State or Municipal prosecutor at your next DUI pre-trial Court appearance may ask the Judge to revoke bail & take you into custody immediately, request bail if none previously ordered, request an increase in bail (for example: $2,500 to...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/what-happens-if-i-violate-my-pre-trial-dui-conditions-of-release.htmlWhat bail bondsmen agency do you recommend for my Washington State DUI case?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec88330192aa237e1a970d2013-05-20T16:54:25-07:002013-05-20T16:59:56-07:00I have had very good success with Lacy O'Malley Bail Bonds and would highly recommend them. They have always been very attentive to my DUI clients needs over the years and are able to get all the necessary paperwork processed...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/what-bail-bondsmen-do-you-recommend-for-my-dui-case.htmlIs a DUI a felony?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec8833019102524ca4970c2013-05-19T17:13:13-07:002013-05-19T17:16:45-07:00It depends. The answer is no - unless you have four (4) or more previous DUI/Physical Control or qualifying convictions (reduced charges such as Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, Reckless Endangerment etc. from a DUI arrest) within ten (10) years or...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/is-a-dui-a-felony.htmlCan I go to Canada with a Deferred Prosecution?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301901c521f47970b2013-05-18T12:39:16-07:002013-05-19T17:32:37-07:00Probably. Under current policies, it appears you should be okay with a DUI Deferred Prosecution. This is assuming no other criminal history whatsoever. Remember, if you have any questions you should contact a Canadian immigration attorney. I am not a...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/can-i-go-to-canada-with-a-deferred-prosecution.htmlWill I get a non-DUI plea bargain or reduction on a 1st offense DUI?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301901c5c716b970b2013-05-17T17:40:00-07:002013-05-21T11:58:27-07:00Not always. This is one of the biggest misconceptions or assumptions out there - that is completely wrong. Whether you get a plea bargain or reduction to Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment or Negligent Driving 1st degree or even a dismissal...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/will-i-get-a-plea-bargain-or-reduction-on-a-1st-offense.htmlCan the prosecutor object to my deferred prosecution?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec88330192aa1b02b9970d2013-05-16T18:10:00-07:002013-05-19T18:51:44-07:00Yes, but it may not matter. Most Judges will still grant the deferred prosecution. There is really no mechanism in place in the deferred prosecution law (Revised Code of Washington _ RCW 10.05) that allows for the prosecutor to object....James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/can-the-prosecutor-object-to-my-deferred-prosecution.htmlHow far do you travel in Washington State?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301901c5c5ade970b2013-05-15T17:22:00-07:002013-05-19T17:29:43-07:00Everywhere. Kotlowski Law Office represents clients throughout the entire State of Washington. Most of our clients are on the Western side, but we also have DUI clients in Eastern and Central Washington. We really enjoy traveling throughout the State and...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/what-is-your-coverage-area-in-washington-state.htmlAre we headed for a .05 Breath Test Limit in Washington?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301910222a0a5970c2013-05-14T12:54:49-07:002013-05-14T12:57:01-07:00Possibly. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that the national per se limit of .08 be lowered to .05 in all 50 states. "Today, investigators cited research that showed that although impairment begins with the first drink, by...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/new-05-limit.htmlCan I get around the one (1) deferred prosecution limit on DUI's?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301901c2e52a7970b2013-05-13T16:58:00-07:002013-05-14T18:34:42-07:00Probably not. The deferred prosecution statue RCW 10.05 restricts "Title 46" offenses (DUI's and Physical Control convictions) to one (1) Deferred Prosecution in your lifetime. One possible way around this may be to have the prosecutor agree to amend to...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/can-i-get-around-the-one-1-deferred-prosecution-limit-on-duis.htmlCan I convert my EHM to Jail?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec8833019102241325970c2013-05-12T16:22:00-07:002013-05-14T20:20:19-07:00Yes. Current law now allows you to convert EHM or EHD (electronic home monitoring or electronic home detention - aka house arrest) to jail time. With EHM costs upwards of $30.00-$40.00 a day in some counties, it is simply cheaper...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/can-i-convert-my-ehm-to-jail.htmlIs Community Service in lieu of Jail an option?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec8833017eeb295315970d2013-05-11T10:56:00-07:002013-05-14T16:57:36-07:00Yes, but most typically on reductions to Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment and Negligent Driving 1st Degree. DUI and Physical Control convictions have mandatory Jail minimums depending on the number of prior offenses within 7 years. Community Service is typically an...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/is-community-service-in-lieu-if-jail-an-option.htmlWhat if I cannot pay my Fines and Court Costs for my DUI?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec8833019101fe2135970c2013-05-10T10:53:40-07:002013-05-10T11:06:08-07:00Most Courts in Washington State provide for payment plans for outstanding DUI fines and Court Costs through an outside agency. You usually have 30 days to set-up an account. (although some judges will give you longer) Payments are approximately $25.00-$75.00...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/what-if-i-cannot-pay-my-fines-and-court-costs-for-my-dui.htmlHow many Court Hearings can I expect in my King County DUI case?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec8833019101f77192970c2013-05-09T16:23:35-07:002013-05-10T11:30:48-07:00Obviously, it depends alot on the difficulty of your case. (i.e. high breath test, accident, prior DUI's) However, even the simplest case has 3-4 pretrial hearings. Typically, we usually continue them for further investigation (i.e. interview witnesses, officers, visit scene,...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/dui-case.htmlPunched License - can I still drive?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec883301901c007585970b2013-05-08T13:13:00-07:002013-05-09T13:27:21-07:00Yes, for now. In Washington State your driver's license is still valid for sixty (60) days from the date of your DUI or Physical Control arrest. Moreover, alot of establishments do not consider a "punched" license to be a valid...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/punched-license-can-i-still-drive-1.htmlCan I do another deferred prosecution for mental health - if I already completed one for alcohol?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e553da03ec8833019101d8c841970c2013-05-07T00:10:00-07:002013-05-07T00:10:00-07:00No. You can only do one (1) deferred prosecution for a DUI or Physical Control (Title 46) offense in your lifetime in Washington State. If you entered into a DUI deferred prosecution 15 years ago for alcoholism - you cannot...James Kotlowskihttp://duiseattleblog.typepad.com/dui_seattle/2013/05/can-i-do-another-deferred-prosecution-for-mental-health-if-i-already-completed-one-for-alcohol.html