Lakewood DUI Lawyers

Our Lakewood DUI lawyers wrote this page, but why read when you can talk with us at this moment? The sooner you speak with us, the sooner you’ll feel better.

If you were arrested for DUI in Lakewood, Washington, you are may be wondering what happens next.  Typically, two things happen after a DUI arrest in Lakewood.  The prosecutor files DUI charges against you in the city or the county courthouse, and the department of licensing suspends your license (if alcohol-related or if you refused testing). A DUI and license suspension can adversely affect your job, family and future.  Need a Lakewood DUI lawyer, a Parkland DUI lawyer or a Spanaway DUI lawyer?  Call us for a free consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why it matters where your case is filed.  If you were arrested for DUI in Lakewood city proper, or by a Lakewood police officer, you will probably be summoned to appear at the Lakewood Municipal Court. If a state trooper or county deputy arrested you for DUI in the city of Lakewood, you will likely get a summons for Pierce County District Court.  Your case will also be in Pierce County District Court is you have a Parkland DUI arrest, or a Spanaway DUI arrest. The summons is sent by mail, and usually arrives within a few weeks. As Lakewood DUI lawyers, we know you have a better chance of getting a good resolution of your case in our county court, rather than in our city court, for a variety of reasons, including the high volume of cases in the county court. Depending on the unique facts of your case, our Lakewood DUI lawyers know when it is appropriate to file legal documents to have a particular judge not hear your case. This knowledge alone can be pivotal in achieving a successful outcome of your case. It is extremely important to hire a DUI lawyer who practices in these courts routinely. You can be assured that whichever court your case is in, we know the ropes there.

Why you need a lawyer BEFORE you get your summons.  First, you have only 20 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing from the department of licensing (DOL), and you should speak with a Lakewood DUI attorney before you submit the hearing request. More importantly, there are things to be done now that can help your case. For instance, there may be steps you can take, before you get the summons, to avoid being taken into custody when you appear in court. Our Lakewood DUI lawyers can assist you in taking these steps.  There may be important evidence, such as video of your arrest, which may be lost if not obtained immediately. We can help with that too.

The basics about requesting a DOL hearing.  If you do not request a hearing within 20 days from your arrest, your license or privilege to drive in Washington will be suspended or revoked 60 days from the date of your arrest (unless you submitted to a blood test).  The length ranges from 90 days (first DUI in 7 years—took the test) to two years (second or subsequent DUI in 7 years). If you refused the test, you face at least a one-year revocation. To request a hearing, fill out the “hearing request form” the officer provided, include a $200 check or money order, and mail as instructed. Hiring an experienced Lakewood DUI lawyer increases your chance of success in your DOL hearing. For more information, call us or submit an online request.

A conviction in court can also affect your license. Aside from the punishment that follows a DUI conviction (such as jail time), the judge must also suspend or revoke your license. Although you get credit for the time served on a DOL suspension for the same incident, the court revocation can be significantly longer than the one DOL imposes. Our Lakewood DUI lawyers know how to fight these cases on both battlefields. For many of our clients, our Lakewood DUI lawyers have avoided both the DOL and the court suspension. We fight hard for our clients.

Court Etiquette.  Business casual attire is recommended and military dress is OK too. Hats must be removed and cell phones turned off.  Don’t carry on conversations in court while court is in session.

If your case is in Pierce County District Court.  You will be summoned to the courthouse at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma WA 98402. There is on-street parking (free on side streets), but nearby spaces are hard to find unless you are early. The most convenient lot (pay by the hour) is directly behind the Pierce County Courthouse building, on 11th Street. By 9:00am it is usually full. If your hearing is in the morning, plan to be in line for the security checkpoint for 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t bring any weapons—not even a pocketknife. Dress for the weather because the line forms outside. Lobby directories list defendant’s names and room numbers if you need to verify the location of your courtroom. Arraignments are usually on the 8th floor. When you arrive in the courtroom, sign-in with the clerk. This is the court you will be going to if arrested for a Parkland DUI, a Spanaway DUI, and or a DUI in Pierce County unincorporated areas.

If your case is in the Lakewood Municipal Court   The court is located in downtown Lakewood at 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. When you turn into the driveway from Main Street, it is the second building on the right. The court entrance is on the right front side of the building. Parking is free and there is lots of it. After going through security, you will see the courtrooms along the opposite wall. Judge Heller is the Lakewood Municipal Court Judge, and there are other judges called “pro-tems” who preside in Judge Heller’s absence. The court is open weekdays from 8:30am-5:00pm. It is a good idea to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

How long does the arraignment take? We try to arrange to have our client’s cases called early to eliminate long waits. The arraignment itself is usually over in less than 5 minutes, however, there is usually a crowd of people to be arraigned. Once arraigned, you will be given notice of your next court date and time.

If you are looking for more information about your DUI case in Lakewood, Parkland, Spanaway, or the surrounding area, check out our main website at www.dui-defender.net.