After a DUI arrest in Lakewood, you will be booked into jail, asked to take an evidential breath test, and given a date to appear in court, usually within one to two business days if you remain in custody. At the same time, a separate license suspension process starts with the Washington State Department of Licensing, and you have only 7 days to request a hearing to fight it. Two clocks are running at once, and the civil one moves faster than the criminal one.
A DUI arrest moves fast, and it is easy to feel like you are chasing deadlines instead of catching your breath. Knowing what happens at each stage, and what is actually required of you, can help it feel less overwhelming.
Step 1: Arrest, Booking, and the Breath Test
Lakewood police and Pierce County deputies follow Washington’s mandatory booking requirement for DUI arrests, so expect to provide fingerprints and photographs and to be held in a holding cell. At the station, officers will ask you to take the official breath test. Under the implied consent law, RCW 46.20.308, refusing this test results in a license revocation of at least 1 year. You have the right to speak with an attorney before deciding, and you should use it.
Step 2: The 7-Day Department of Licensing Deadline
The Washington State Department of Licensing will move to suspend your license if your breath test showed 0.08 or higher or if you refused testing. This happens even if your criminal case is later dismissed. To challenge the suspension, you must request an administrative hearing within 7 days of your arrest. Miss that window, and the suspension takes effect automatically.
Step 3: Arraignment and Release Conditions
Your first court appearance is the arraignment, typically in Lakewood Municipal Court or Pierce County District Court. You will enter a plea, and the judge will set conditions of release. Depending on your history and breath test result, those conditions may include:
- An ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive
- A prohibition on alcohol or non-prescribed drugs
- Random testing or check-ins
- Travel restrictions while the case is pending
- Bail in some cases
Step 4: Pretrial Hearings and Building a Defense
Most of the real work happens between the arraignment and the trial. Your DUI defense team reviews the police report, dash and body camera footage, breath test maintenance records, and the legality of the original stop. Weak points in the state’s case often lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Cases that cannot be resolved fairly proceed to trial.
Step 5: Sentencing if Convicted
Penalties are set by RCW 46.61.5055 and depend on your breath test result and prior history. For a first offense with a result under 0.15, they include:
- At least 24 consecutive hours in jail or 15 days of electronic home monitoring
- Fines and fees that commonly exceed $1,000
- A 90-day license suspension
- An ignition interlock requirement after reinstatement
- Up to 5 years of probation
Statewide arrest and conviction data from the Washington Statistical Analysis Center show how frequently these charges are filed. Still, your outcome depends on the facts of your case, not the averages. If your traffic stop seemed unusual, our team can review the officer’s report to check whether it met legal requirements.
Get Help Before the Deadlines Pass
Our firm has successfully handled thousands of cases, including more than 2,000 for people right here in Pierce County. Born and raised in Tacoma, we bring local roots, the personal touch of an attorney who knows your name, and creative trial strategies that have earned Super Lawyers recognition and over 100 5-star reviews.
Your consultation is free, and the 7-day clock is already running. Call Tim Rusk Attorneys at 253-904-2472 or contact us online now.
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We serve clients throughout Tacoma and the surrounding areas, including Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, University Place, Bonney Lake, and communities across Pierce County. We are here to provide the experienced legal representation you deserve. Contact Tim Rusk Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.