If you're facing a DUI charge in Seattle, you're probably wondering how long this process will take. A typical DUI case in Seattle Municipal Court takes 3 to 6 months to resolve, though some cases can stretch longer depending on specific circumstances. The timeline depends on factors like whether you plead guilty, request a jury trial, or need additional court appearances.

Understanding the key stages of your DUI case helps you prepare for what's ahead, so you can make informed decisions about your defense. Each stage has specific deadlines and requirements that can affect how long your case takes to progress through the system. Here's what you can expect from a DUI arrest to final resolution.

The Arrest and Initial Booking Process

Your DUI case timeline starts the moment you're arrested. After booking, you'll typically be released within 24 hours unless there were aggravating circumstances like an accident or prior DUI convictions. The police have up to 72 hours to file charges, though they usually do this within 1-2 days.

During this initial period, your driver's license is automatically suspended through the Department of Licensing (DOL). You have only 20 days from your arrest date to request a hearing to contest this administrative suspension. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and has its own timeline.

Arraignment: Your First Court Appearance

Your arraignment happens about 2-4 weeks after your arrest. This is your first court date where the judge tells you exactly what you're charged with. You'll need to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Most people charged with DUI should plead not guilty at arraignment to preserve their rights and allow time to review the evidence. If you plead guilty immediately, you give up your right to challenge the evidence or negotiate a better outcome. The court will set bail conditions and schedule your next court date.

Pre-Trial Conference and Discovery

After pleading not guilty, your case moves to the pre-trial phase, which usually takes 4-8 weeks. During this time, your attorney will request and review all evidence against you, including:

- Police reports and arrest videos

- Breathalyzer calibration records and maintenance logs

- Field sobriety test documentation

This discovery period is crucial for identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence if there were violations of your constitutional rights during the arrest or testing process.

Plea Negotiations and Pre-Trial Motions

Most DUI cases in Seattle Municipal Court resolve through plea negotiations rather than going to trial. This process typically takes 2-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case and the prosecutor's willingness to negotiate.

Your Seattle DUI defense attorney will use any weaknesses found during discovery to negotiate a reduction in charges or penalties. Common negotiated outcomes include reducing a DUI to a lesser charge like reckless driving or negotiating for alternative sentencing options.

Trial Preparation and Court Trial

If plea negotiations fail, your case will proceed to trial. Seattle Municipal Court handles DUI cases through bench trials (decided by a judge) rather than jury trials for most misdemeanor DUIs. Trial scheduling typically adds another 4-12 weeks to your case timeline.

The trial itself usually lasts 1-2 days. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence. Your DUI defense lawyer in Seattle will challenge the evidence and present your defense.

Factors That Can Extend Your Case Timeline

Several factors can make your DUI case take longer than the typical 3-6 months:

- Prior DUI convictions make your case more complex and may require additional court appearances

- Breath test refusal cases often involve more complicated legal issues and longer discovery periods

- Accident-related DUIs require additional investigation and evidence review

- Multiple charges like reckless driving or hit-and-run filed alongside your DUI

Time is critical in DUI cases because of the 20-day deadline for your license hearing and other important deadlines. The sooner you hire an experienced Seattle DUI attorney, the better they can protect your rights and potentially reduce the time your case takes to resolve.

Don't wait to get help. Contact a qualified DUI attorney immediately to discuss your case and start building your defense. Call Lewis & Laws today for a confidential consultation.