In Washington State, you have 7 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL). Miss that window, and your license suspension becomes automatic and unchallengeable. Beyond that deadline, the decisions you make in the first 48 hours will shape every option available to you going forward. Here is what to do, in order.

Talk to a Seattle DUI Attorney Today

At Lewis and Laws, PLLC, our Seattle DUI defense attorneys have helped clients through every stage of this process, from the night of the arrest through hearings, negotiations, and sentencing. We know the deadlines, the evaluations, and the programs that matter most in King County courts. If you were recently arrested for DUI in the Seattle area, call us today. The sooner you have an attorney, the more options you have.

Do Not Say Anything Else to Law Enforcement

You have already been through the arrest. You may have spoken to officers, taken a breath or blood test, or both. That is done. From this point forward, do not say anything more to law enforcement about the incident. Do not call the arresting officer to explain yourself. Do not post about it on social media. Do not share the details with anyone except your attorney.

Even well-meaning explanations can hurt you. Silence is not guilt. It is a strategy.

Request Your DOL Hearing Within 7 Days

This is the deadline most people miss, and it may be the most important one. Under Washington State law, the Department of Licensing will automatically suspend your driver's license after a DUI arrest. But you have the right to challenge that suspension if you act quickly.

You have 7 days from the date of your arrest to request a DOL administrative hearing. An attorney can file that request for you. If the window closes without action, you lose your right to contest the suspension entirely.

What does the suspension look like without a challenge? For a first offense with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, the automatic suspension is 90 days. For a test refusal, it can be a full year. Those consequences are not inevitable, but they become a harsh reality if you do not act in time.

What Is a DUI Alcohol Evaluation and Do I Need One Now?

Yes. And in most cases, sooner is better. In Washington State, anyone convicted of DUI is required to complete a substance abuse evaluation as part of the sentencing process. A certified substance abuse professional (CSAP) conducts the evaluation, which includes a clinical interview and a review of your arrest and substance use history. The whole process typically takes about an hour.

Courts use the results to determine whether treatment, education, or monitoring programs are appropriate. But you do not need to wait for a conviction or even a court order. Getting your evaluation done early tells the court you are taking this seriously. It also gives your attorney useful information that may support negotiations with the prosecutor.

Here is a quick reference after a DUI arrest in Seattle:

 

Contact Lewis and Laws Today

At Lewis and Laws, our Seattle DUI defense attorneys know what the next few days look like for you, and what it takes to protect your license, your record, and your future. Call us today for a consultation.