Washington DUI & Reckless Driving Criminal Defense Attorney

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is more than a criminal charge — it often triggers a separate administrative process with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) that can cost you your driver’s license even before a court conviction. When you're arrested:

• You generally only have 7 days from your arrest to request a DOL hearing to contest a license suspension. Washington State Department of Licensing
   
• If you don’t make that request in time, your license may be suspended automatically — often 30 days after arrest. DMV.ORG
   
• At the hearing, you have the right to present your case — testify, call witnesses, submit evidence, and even subpoena the arresting officer. Washington State Department of Licensing
   
• The hearing fee is $375.00
   

If a hearing isn’t requested or your request is denied, DOL’s suspension decision could take effect, typically 30 days after arrest. 

Even if you win the DOL hearing, a criminal court conviction could still result in a separate license suspension. Washington State Department of Licensing. When you’re convicted in court of a DUI, the DOL may suspend your license for 90 days to 4 years, depending on prior offenses and the specifics of your case. Washington State Department of Licensing

Sometimes, DUI charges can be reduced to reckless driving — but make no mistake: reckless driving is not “no big deal.” In Washington, it’s typically a gross misdemeanor, and a conviction can lead to:

• Fines and court costs
   
• Possible jail time
   
• Points on your driving record
   
• Administrative consequences with the DOL (depending on how your case is handled)
   

Because these charges still carry serious risk to your license, insurance, and freedom, it's critical to have a skilled attorney by your side who understands both the criminal and administrative sides of traffic offenses.

• First-time DUI: potential jail time, steep fines, and mandatory alcohol or drug education. DMV.ORG
   
• Subsequent offenses or aggravating factors (like refusal or high BAC) can significantly raise penalties, including longer suspensions, longer jail terms, and stricter court conditions. DMV.ORG
   
• Reckless driving convictions can also carry jail, fines, community service, or probation — depending on the facts of your case.
   

• DOL license suspension or revocation if you miss the 7-day hearing request window. Washington State Department of Licensing
   
• Even if you win your hearing, conviction after that may still trigger another suspension, based on court outcomes. Washington State Department of Licensing
   
• If the hearing examiner rules against you, the DOL decision can often be appealed within 30 days to the superior court. Washington State Department of Licensing
   
• Until the hearing decision is made, in many cases your driving privileges remain intact. Washington State Department of Licensing
   

Time is critical — especially with DUI cases. Here’s how we guide you through the process:

1.        Immediately After Arrest
 

• We advise you one of the first and most important steps: request your DOL hearing within 7 days of arrest. Washington State Department of Licensing
   

2.        Preparing for the DOL Hearing
 

• We gather evidence, prepare a defense, and decide whether to subpoena witnesses (including the arresting officer) if needed. Washington State Department of Licensing
   
• We coach you on presenting your case, and we represent you during the phone hearing, which often lasts about an hour. Washington State Department of Licensing
   

3.        After the Hearing
 

• The hearing examiner typically issues a decision within 30 days of the hearing or when the record closes.
   
• If the decision goes against you, or even if it goes for you but you’re later convicted, we plan next steps (appeals, court strategy, or managing the eventual court-imposed suspension).
   
• If the examiner’s decision is unfavorable, we can appeal to superior court within 30 days.
   

• One-on-One Representation: As a solo attorney practice, you work directly with your lawyer — not a case manager. Your attorney handles every aspect, from DOL hearing through court, giving your case the attention it deserves.
   
• Fast, Strategic Action: With a DUI arrest, timing is everything. We know the deadlines (especially that critical 7-day window) and act quickly to protect your driving privileges.
   
• Experienced Negotiation: Whether it's reaching favorable plea deals, avoiding jail, or reducing a DUI to reckless driving, we fight hard to achieve the best possible outcome.
   
• Admin & Criminal Defense: We don’t just defend you in court — we represent you in your DOL hearing too. That dual-track expertise is critical in DUI cases.
   
• Transparent Fees: We’re upfront about cost. We aim to maximize value.
   

At 1st Hand Law, we represent clients in a wide range of gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors, including but not limited to:

• DUI / Driving Under the Influence
   
• Reckless driving
   
• Physical control
   
• Traffic-related misdemeanors
   

Important: We do not handle felony cases. If you’re facing felony-level charges, we will help you find a qualified attorney with the right experience.

Don’t wait — missing a deadline or failing to properly navigate your DOL hearing could mean an automatic license suspension or worse. Contact 1st Hand Law today for a free consultation. You’ll speak directly with your attorney, get a clear assessment of your options, and begin building your defense right away.

Call now or send us a message to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.