One thing that is universally required if you are charged and convicted of a DUI (or a reduced charge like Reckless Driving or Negligent Driving) in Washington is an alcohol/ drug assessment conducted by a state-certified alcohol and drug treatment agency. Generally on a first offense related DUI the assessment will likely result in an 8 hour alcohol education (or “ADIS”) class, and a DUI Victim’s Impact Panel (“Victim’s Panel“).
Because it is likely that an alcohol/drug assessment will be required when facing a DUI, it is smart to just go ahead and get the assessment, complete an ADIS class and attend a Victim’s Panel as soon as possible. Getting an assessment, attending an ADIS class and completing a Victim’s Panel can not only possibly help in the outcome of your case, but it can also make you feel like you are being proactive and taking control of your situation. Doing these things shows the court “good faith” on your part, and that you are ‘dealing’ with the situation; it does not mean (as some mistakenly think) that the court presumes that you believe: (a) you are guilty or that (b) you have an alcohol/drug problem. A sentencing court will find favor with someone who steps up and acts responsibly early on in the process.
Although getting an assessment early on is smart, don’t just pick any old agency off the internet or off a list provided by the court. Attorneys generally refer their clients to a specific agency that they are familiar with, and with whom they have built trust. In deciding which agency to refer clients to, SQ Attorneys considers several factors, including, but not limited to, cost, where the client lives/ works and even particular facts of the client’s case.
If you (or a loved one) have been arrested and cited for DUI in Washington State you should immediately seek the assistance of a Seattle DUI lawyer. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI attorney, among other things, can quite possibly save you thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, extent of loss of privilege to drive and amount of jail time to be served. Washington traffic laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart … hire a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or a drug related DUI in Washington State.