DUIs are always complicated, difficult and expensive and, of course, the best advice is DON’T GET ONE! There is no Uber, taxi or hotel room as expensive as a DUI. But, thanks to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), its about to get a little more complicated, or at least a little more rushed. That’s because, starting January 1, 2019, the time period for a driver charged with a DUI has to request an administrative hearing with the DOL has been reduced from twenty (20) days to just 7 days! That’s right, a driver now has just one week to formally request a hearing or they lose that opportunity forever. If a timely request is not made the driver’s license will be suspended or their privilege revoked 60 days from the date of arrest. That request must be accompanied by a payment of the $375. fee unless the driver is indigent and qualifies for a fee waiver.
How To Request A Hearing
The request can be made by mail, in person at a DOL Office or online at https://www.dol.wa.gov/licenseexpress.html
The arresting officer is supposed to tell the driver all of this and provide the proper forms, but that doesn’t always happen. If the case is in Whatcom County where arrest for any DUI is mandatory, that paperwork may get lost in the shuffle. Failing to request a hearing can severely diminish the advantages of a plea bargain, dismissal or even acquittal at trial. So getting the requesting right way is critical to a positive outcome.
