Got a DUI, what's my next step?

[jb77]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington

Last night I was driving home and got pulled over for 63 in a 45. I ended up getting field sobrierty tested and then blew a 0.11. Got taken to the station and blew a 0.10 there. He allowed some friends to come pick me up, so I didn't have to do any jail time.

Anyway, I'm wondering where to go from here. I've got a perfect driving record, never had a DUI before, etc. I can't afford to lose my license, do you think that is likely? What step's should I take now?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cyjeff]

On Monday, get yourself a good attorney.

Really... you need someone that really knows the ins and outs of the local court system.

The attorney will minimize your fines and jail time.

Next step? Go to your bathroom. Look in the mirror. Say, "I am a dumbass that endangered strangers so that I wouldn't have to pay for a cab. Now, it is going to cost me a fortune, my driving privileges and it is only by the mercy of a caring God that I didn't kill someone."

Do that, say, fifty times?

 

[jb77]

On Monday, get yourself a good attorney.

Really... you need someone that really knows the ins and outs of the local court system.

The attorney will minimize your fines and jail time.

Next step? Go to your bathroom. Look in the mirror. Say, "I am a dumbass that endangered strangers so that I wouldn't have to pay for a cab. Now, it is going to cost me a fortune, my driving privileges and it is only by the mercy of a caring God that I didn't kill someone."

Do that, say, fifty times?

Yeah, I've been doing that all morning. Lesson learned, I feel terrible.

In respect to the legal side of things, from your experience, is it possible that with a good attorney I won't have to do jail time / lose my license?

Thank you.

 

[woodykas]

Yeah, I've been doing that all morning. Lesson learned, I feel terrible.

In respect to the legal side of things, from your experience, is it possible that with a good attorney I won't have to do jail time / lose my license?

Thank you.

not likely. 24 hours jail time is mandatory, and 90 day suspended is also mandatory, unless you have a ~$10K for trial and lawyer.

sometimes you can do 48-96 hours of voluntary community service BEFORE trial, and just try to exchange jail time for this CS time.

 

[cyjeff]

not likely. 24 hours jail time is mandatory, and 90 day suspended is also mandatory, unless you have a ~$10K for trial and lawyer.

sometimes you can do 48-96 hours of voluntary community service BEFORE trial, and just try to exchange jail time for this CS time.

Agreed.... I have not looked up Washington statutes in a bit, but 90 days sounds right for a mandatory suspension.

There is no way around that... if convicted of a DUI.

If you were close to the limit, you may have a chance for a plea down... but .11 is a bit definitive... but I would ask my attorney.

 

[jb77]

not likely. 24 hours jail time is mandatory, and 90 day suspended is also mandatory, unless you have a ~$10K for trial and lawyer.

sometimes you can do 48-96 hours of voluntary community service BEFORE trial, and just try to exchange jail time for this CS time.

I'm wondering if the $10k will be worth it in the long run. I have very low insurance rates right now, and SR22 would obviuosly kill that. I'll have to talk to a lawyer and see what my options are.

Thanks for the help.