Cascade LawyersCascade Lawyers2026-10-15T20:45:46Zhttps://www.cascadelawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104002/2024/08/cropped-icon-32x32.pngby Jeremy Goodman<![CDATA[What To Do If You Are Arrested In Washington State]]>https://www.cascadelawyers.com/?p=2560062026-10-15T20:45:46Z2026-10-15T19:39:09Z1. Stop Talking. Right Now.
If you take one piece of advice, take this one. If you are arrested, the single most important thing to do when interacting with police is to stop talking. Nothing you say will help you.
You are not going to talk your way out of an arrest. Once an officer has decided to take you in, you are going to be taken in. What you say at that point will not change the booking. It will only show up later in a police report, in a prosecutor’s charging decision, and in a courtroom. Anything you say can and will be used against you. That is not just a line from television. Nothing you say will help you and it is extremely likely to hurt you.
The way to exercise your right to remain silent is simple. Politely say, “I will not answer any questions and I want to speak to a lawyer.” Then stop talking. Do not try to explain anything, do not give your side of the story and do not joke with the officers. Wait for a lawyer.
2. What Happens After the Arrest
After an arrest in Washington, one of two things usually happens. You may be released on the spot, often with a citation telling you when to appear in court. This happens with many misdemeanors. For a DUI, domestic violence and felonies, though, you will likely be taken to jail.
If you are booked, the court has to make a probable cause determination, and you will usually be in front of a judge within a day or two. If you have never been in trouble before, and the crimes you are accused of are not serious felonies, the judge will often release you on conditions or set a small bail amount. For many first-time misdemeanors, the standard bail is around $1,000. That is small enough that family or a bail bondsman can post it quickly.
Sometimes, you can even post bail before you ever see a judge, especially in misdemeanor cases. So, for most first-offense misdemeanor cases, there is usually a way out of jail before the case begins to move forward.
3. Memorize a Few Phone Numbers Before You Ever Need Them
Almost no one has phone numbers memorized anymore. When you are arrested, it is very possible that the police will not let you look at your contacts in your phone. Also, do not let the police look at your phone. Do not give the police your password.
Pick two or three people you trust and memorize their phone numbers. Pick people who would actually answer if a jail number popped up at 2 a.m., and someone who can pay bail if needed.
4. Get Out as Soon as You Can
Once a bail amount is set, get out. Do not sit in jail. We sometimes hear from family members who think a night or two in jail will “teach a lesson.” That is bad advice, and it can hurt the case in ways that are hard to undo.
Two reasons it matters to get out quickly:
Jail calls are recorded. Every call you make from a jail phone is recorded and saved. Family members and friends almost always ask, “What happened?” You should not be answering that question on a recorded line. Prosecutors listen to those calls.
You cannot build a defense from a cell. Gathering evidence, finding witnesses, preserving texts and video, and preparing for the first hearing all require you to be out. If you get arrested before a holiday or a long weekend, a “short” stay can turn into several days of lost time.
If you do not have the money on hand, a bail bondsman can usually post the bond for about 10 percent of the total amount (the bail bondsman keeps their 10% fee), but in most cases it is worth it. Call a lawyer at the same time. We can often help coordinate with family or a bondsman to move things along.
5. “Released” Does Not Mean “Dismissed” (and dismissed does not mean its over)
Many people leave jail with a piece of paper that says something like “released pending further investigation” or “no charges filed at this time.” They go home, take a breath, and assume the case is over. Unfortunately, this is very common, and the case is rarely over.
In Washington, the police make the arrest, but the prosecutor’s office decides whether to file charges. That takes time. The prosecutor has to review the police report, look at the evidence, and decide what to file. So, the police or judge may release you, but the prosecutor is still investigating the charges against you and is likely to pursue the case against you once their investigation is complete.
For example, in a DUI case where blood was drawn, the prosecutor may wait weeks or months or even years for the toxicology results before filing. In some counties, including Snohomish County, prosecutors are well known for waiting to the end of to the full “statute of limitations” before filing charges, which can be two years or longer for a felony.
That means a “dismissal” or “release” at the jail is usually just a pause. You may already have a court date coming you do not know about. You may get a summons in the mail months later and should keep an eye out for notices from the court in your mail.
It’s important that you use this time and do not let the silence after an arrest fool you into doing nothing. Call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] for a free consultation. Even if no charges have been filed yet, the days and weeks before charges are the best time to start preparing.
6. If It Is a DUI, You Have Two Cases, Not One
A DUI arrest in Washington creates two separate cases that run on different tracks.
The first is the criminal case, handled by the prosecutor in either district or municipal court, or Superior Court. You rarely need to do anything to “get” a court date in the criminal case. The prosecutor will file when they file.
The second is the administrative case at the Department of Licensing (DOL). This is the case that can suspend your driver’s license. There are strict deadlines, including a short window to request a hearing to challenge a license suspension (seven days). If you miss the DOL deadline, you usually lose the right to fight the suspension at all, even if you eventually win the criminal case.
If you were arrested for a DUI, do not wait for the criminal case to “show up.” Call a DUI lawyer in the first few days so the DOL clock does not run out on you.
7. How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Washington?
There is no single answer. Cases can move in weeks, months, or, in some cases, more than a year. Two pieces of background help set expectations.
First, the statute of limitations determines how long the State has to file charges:
Simple misdemeanors: one year from the date of the alleged offense.
Gross misdemeanors (including most DUI cases): two years.
Felonies: generally, three years or more, depending on the charge. The most serious offenses, such as murder, have no statute of limitations.
Most misdemeanor charges are filed within a few weeks to a few months. Felony cases, which are often investigated by detectives before charges are filed, can take longer. The longer the State waits, the more time you have to prepare a defense.
Once charges are filed, expect multiple court dates. Most cases require several appearances, including:
Arraignment, where you enter a plea and conditions of release are set
Pretrial hearings, where the case is reviewed and possibly resolved
Motion hearings, where the defense may challenge evidence
Readiness or trial-setting hearings as the case approaches trial
Trial, if the case is not resolved earlier
Plan to be there in person for every court date unless your lawyer specifically tells you otherwise. Missing a court date is the easiest way to turn a manageable case into a serious one. Failure to appear leads to a warrant for your arrest and additional charges that can follow you for years.
8. Stay Off Social Media and Off the Phone
After an arrest, the urge to vent online is real. Do not post about what happened or respond to the alleged victim, even to apologize. Anything you put in writing, whether texts, posts, or direct messages, can end up as an exhibit at a hearing. Even online searches can be found and used against you
At the same time, do not delete anything. Deleting messages, photos, or social media history after an arrest could make a difficult case harder and possibly more charges. If you are not sure what to keep, the answer is to call a lawyer.
9. Call a Lawyer as Soon as You Can
A criminal case is not a problem you solve by waiting and hoping. Early calls to a lawyer almost always lead to better outcomes. There are deadlines you do not know about. There is evidence that needs to be preserved. There are conversations with the prosecutor that may be easier to have before charges are filed than after.
At Cascade Lawyers, founding attorney Jeremy Goodman has more than a decade of experience defending people in misdemeanor and felony cases across Washington. The firm offers a free, confidential consultation. We will walk you through what to expect, what your real risks are, and what we can do for you. Call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] and we are happy to provide a complimentary confidential consultation.
Quick Reference: The First 24 Hours
Memorize two or three phone numbers ahead of time.
You or a family member or friend should call Cascade Lawyers at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] as soon as possible.
No talking. Ask for a lawyer.
Post bail and get out as soon as you can.
Do not discuss the case on a jail phone.
Save every text, message, post, and piece of footage. Do not delete anything.
If it is a DUI, remember you have a DOL case as well as a criminal case and the DOL case has shorter and different deadlines.
Show up to every court date in person unless your lawyer tells you otherwise.
Talk to a Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you or a family member was just arrested in Washington State, time matters. Call Cascade Lawyers at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] or use our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients in King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Kitsap County, Thurston County, and throughout Washington.
FAQs
Do I have to answer the officer’s questions before or after I am arrested?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Politely say you want a lawyer and stop talking.
How long can the police hold me without filing charges?
If you are booked into jail, the court has to make a probable cause determination quickly, usually within a day or two. The prosecutor then has a longer period to actually file charges, generally one year for simple misdemeanors, two years for gross misdemeanors like most DUIs, and three years or more for felonies.
What if I was “released pending further investigation”? Is my case over?
Almost never. A release at the jail is usually a pause, not an ending. The prosecutor still has time to file charges, and many cases come back weeks or months later. The right move is to call a lawyer now, before charges are filed.
I just got arrested for DUI. Do I have to do anything before my first court date?
Yes. A DUI creates a separate Department of Licensing case with its own short deadline to request a hearing. Miss the DOL deadline and you usually lose the chance to fight the license suspension, even if you beat the criminal case. Call a lawyer in the first few days.
Should I tell my side of the story on a jail phone?
No. Every call you make from a jail phone is recorded. Prosecutors listen to those calls. Talk about bail and who is picking you up. Save the case discussion for a private conversation with your lawyer.
What happens if I miss a court date?
The judge will almost always issue a warrant for your arrest. On felony cases, you can also be charged with bail jumping or failure to appear, which can make a manageable case much worse. If you are unsure of a court date, call a lawyer right away.
When should I call a lawyer?
As soon as you can. The earlier we are involved, the more we can do to preserve evidence, communicate with the prosecutor, and protect your rights. Cascade Lawyers offers a free, confidential consultation at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"].]]>
by Jeremy Goodman<![CDATA[What Counts as a Violation of a Protection Order in Washington State?]]>https://www.cascadelawyers.com/?p=2559912026-09-09T03:26:52Z2026-05-29T07:02:22ZIn Washington, the courts expect exact compliance with the terms of a protection order. The safest way to approach this is straightforward. If the order says no contact, stay away and stay quiet. Do not communicate with the person who sought the order, and do not go any place you are excluded from going. Also, do not contact the individual through another person, as that counts as third party contact.
Additionally, the law states that you are still in violation of a protective order if you make contact after being invited to do so. That means you must still comply with the terms of the protective order, even if the individual who sought the order communicates with you or invites you to communicate with them.Lastly, a lot of people think a violation only happens if there is a face-to-face confrontation. That is false. Electronic contact even via other people is a violation. Under Chapter 7.105 RCW, Washington courts can order a person not to harm, contact, stalk, monitor, or come within a set distance of the protected person. The order can also exclude someone from a residence, workplace, school, daycare, vehicle, or other listed place. Some orders also protect children or other household members, not just the person who asked for the order.
Start With The Order
To figure out what you can and cannot do, you should look at the order itself. Washington’s standard form includes restraints for no harm, no contact, stalking behavior, and stay away terms. It also includes a place for the court to list exceptions. Be careful, though, if there are exceptions listed. If the order allows only one narrow type of contact, anything outside that exception can still be treated as a violation. We always recommend consulting with a protection order lawyer if you have any questions or concerns.
Common Behavior That Violates Protection Orders
Direct in person contact. If the order says no contact, you cannot walk up to the protected person and talk. You cannot wait outside the home, job, or school to “just talk for a minute.” If the order says you must stay a certain distance away, coming within that distance, or staying there once you know the protected person is present, is a violation. That violation can result in criminal charges. Washington law specifically treats prohibited contact, exclusion from listed places, and knowingly coming within or remaining within a barred distance as criminally enforceable terms in many protection orders.
Calls, texts, emails, and online messages. The Washington protection order form says no contact includes nonphysical contact. The statute also allows courts to bar contact that is direct, indirect, or through third parties. That means a phone call, voicemail, text message, email, direct message, or similar communication can count. A short apology still counts as contact. A message that says “call me” still counts as contact. A person does not get a free pass because there was no in person meeting. Online conduct can create problems for another reason too. Washington law allows protection orders to prohibit stalking behavior, physical or electronic surveillance, cyber harassment, and the use of phone, video, audio, or other electronic means to record, photograph, track, or monitor a protected person’s location or communications. So, the issue is not limited to calling or texting. Depending on the wording of the order, using apps, devices, or online accounts to watch, track, or harass the protected person can also support a violation allegation.
Third party contact. This is the part that surprises people most. Washington’s protection order form bars contact made through third parties, even if those third parties do not know about the order. So, if a restrained person asks a friend, sibling, parent, coworker, or child to pass along a message, that will likely be a violation. It does not have to be a threat. It can be something that sounds harmless, like “tell her I want to talk” or “tell my daughter I love her.” If the order says no contact, sending the message through someone else is still unlawful contact.
Permission Impossible
A common mistake clients make is thinking the protected person can undo the order by reaching out first. In Washington, that is not a defense. The warning printed on the protection order form says the restrained person can be arrested even if the protected person invites or allows the violation. So if the protected person calls, texts, emails, or asks to meet, the restrained person still has to follow the order as written. If there is an exception written into the order, you should follow the exception exactly and call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1"]. If there is no exception, do not make up your own.
Gray Areas
Some situations feel gray, but they are not always treated that way by police or prosecutors. A child exchange can become a violation if the order does not allow direct communication and a parent uses the exchange to argue, apologize, or pass messages. Going to retrieve property can also create risk unless the order, or a later court order, clearly allows it. Even a stop outside a listed home or workplace can be enough if the order has a stay away term. The order, not the parties’ private understanding, always controls. If you have any concerns about your responsibilities under a protection order, please call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1"]. We are very experienced with these matters and can answer any questions that you have. Washington uses one civil protection order chapter, 7.105 RCW, for domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, anti-harassment, and vulnerable adult cases, with separate rules for extreme risk orders. The category matters because the penalty section is not identical for every type of order. Read the order and follow the restraints exactly. Do not guess about what is allowed.
Knowledge Matters
Under RCW 7.105.465, a person generally cannot be subjected to the chapter 7.105 penalties unless that person knows about the order. Officers who investigate an alleged violation are supposed to try to determine whether the respondent knew the order existed. If the respondent likely did not know, an officer can serve the order and then enforce future compliance. However, you may be served without realizing it. Always consult a lawyer before contacting a protected person even if you are not certain there is an order.
Penalties Can Be Serious
There are substantial penalties for violating a protection order. For domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and most protection orders, a violation is generally a gross misdemeanor. The violation can also be punished as contempt of court. Some violations become felonies, including assaultive violations of certain orders and some repeat violation cases. Adult violations of anti-harassment protection orders are also gross misdemeanors under RCW 7.105.455. However, depending on the restrained person’s criminal history, even an electronic text could result in a felony criminal case.Remember that there are absolutely no exceptions to the rules and the courts will examine your behavior very closely. Do not reply to a text “just once.” Do not send a message through someone else. Do not show up at a place listed in the order. Do not assume the other person’s consent fixes the problem. Read every line of the protection order. That document is what matters and ignoring it is how many violation cases begin. If something needs to change, call our office. You need to get the protection order modified before you can do anything else.If you have been accused of violating a protection order in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, you should get legal advice quickly. A criminal defense lawyer can review the order and the evidence, and help protect your freedom. To set up a complimentary consultation, please contact us today at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1"] or complete our online contact form. ]]>by Jeremy Goodman<![CDATA[What Is an Arraignment in Washington State?]]>https://www.cascadelawyers.com/?p=2559662026-09-09T03:27:07Z2026-01-23T04:28:21ZAn Arraignment Is a Hearing in a Criminal Case
Under Washington law, the arraignment is usually the first formal court hearing where the judge tells you what you are charged with and asks for your plea.
A few key points to keep in mind:
Arraignment means a criminal case, not a civil dispute.
There is usually only one arraignment in each case.
The judge sets the ground rules for your release at this hearing.
Changing those rules later is possible, but it can be slow and difficult.
Many people think arraignment is just a quick “paperwork” hearing. This is not true. In practice, it often sets the tone for the rest of the case and can immediately restrict your freedom or affect your rights.
When does arraignment happen in Washington?
Washington court rules require that arraignments happen soon after the prosecutor files charges. Generally, if you are in jail your arraignment will be the next day. If you are not in jail, then you will have your arraignment in one or two weeks.
What this means in real life:
You might get only a week or so of notice in the mail.
If you were just released from jail, the jail may give you an arraignment date before you walk out.
The hearing is often in person at the courthouse, although some courts use video for arraignments.
In some misdemeanor cases, a lawyer can sometimes cancel the arraignment, or schedule it in a way that makes more sense for your situation. That is one reason it helps to talk with a lawyer early.
What Actually Happens at the Arraignment Hearing?
Different courts do things in slightly different ways, but a typical Washington arraignment usually follows this general pattern:
Your case is called. You go up in front of the judge.
The judge confirms your identity. The court checks your name, date of birth, and contact information.
The judge tells you the charge or charges. In other words, the alleged violation.
The judge advises you of your rights. For example, your right to an attorney, to remain silent, and a jury trial.
You enter a plea of “not guilty” because you want to keep your options open.
The judge sets conditions of release. These are the rules you must follow.
The court sets the next court date. Often a pretrial or “omnibus” hearing.
When we talk with clients, we tell them this: arraignment is the day the court puts the rules in place. Those rules can be simple, or they can turn your life upside down.
“Conditions of Release” = The Rules You Must Follow
The law calls them “conditions of release.” We usually call them “rules you have to follow while your case is pending.”
Under Washington rules, judges are supposed to choose the least restrictive conditions of release. However, those conditions can seriously alter your life.
Common conditions of release in Washington include:
No criminal charges.
Come to every court date.
No contact with one or more named people.
Do not go to certain places, like a home, workplace, or bar.
Do not possess firearms or other weapons.
No alcohol or non prescribed drugs, and possible testing.
Report to probation or pretrial services as directed.
Limits on travel, or a requirement to stay in Washington.
Install an ignition interlock device in DUI cases, even before any conviction in some situations.
On paper, these can sound simple, but they can affect almost every part of your day.
How Arraignment Rules Can Affect Your Home and Family
In domestic violence cases, Washington courts often consider a no contact order at arraignment. If the court finds probable cause, the judge may issue or extend a domestic violence no contact order and can also order you to surrender firearms.
Here is what that can mean:
Kicked out of your home.
Lose your gun rights.
You may not be allowed to talk to your partner or spouse.
You might not be able to see your children.
Many people walk into arraignment thinking “this is a misunderstanding” and walk out with no place to live that night. That shock is common, and it is one of the hardest parts of these cases.
How Arraignment Rules Can Affect Your Job
The rules set at arraignment can also make it hard, or in some cases impossible, to keep working in the same way you did before.
A few common examples:
A no contact order that includes your workplace.
Travel limits that prevent you from doing an out of state job or contract.
A “no alcohol or Cannabis” condition, which may involve with random drug testing.
Ignition interlock that will prevent you from driving a work vehicle.
Security clearances or professional licenses may be at risk.
An experienced criminal law attorney can make sure the court is aware of all relevant circumstances and can help reduce the impact criminal charges have on your daily life.
For example, we have seen drivers told they cannot transport certain types of passengers. That kind of rule might sound reasonable to someone who does not know your work, but it can shut down a rideshare driver’s income overnight. With more information, a judge might accept a different rule, such as using a working video camera while on duty.
If the court does not know what you do for a living, it is very easy for a condition of release to collide with your job in a way that no one in the room intended. At Cascade Lawyers, we make sure the judge understands your situation and we advocate for conditions of release that accommodate your lifestyle.
Why it Helps to Have a Lawyer Before Arraignment
Although an arraignment is “just” where you hear the charges and enter a plea, several very important things happen all at once:
The court sets your release conditions.
Domestic violence and firearm orders can be issued.
Custody, housing, and job issues may arise that day.
You get one shot at that first set of rules. Courts can change conditions later, but it requires a substantial change in circumstances and another in person court hearing, which might be weeks away. Thus, more time living under rules that may not fit your life.
A public defender can be a strong advocate, but they might meet you for the first time minutes before the hearing and may not know much about your work, your family, or special concerns like security clearances or professional licenses. Those details matter when the judge is deciding what conditions to set.
When we prepare a client for arraignment, we usually talk through:
Where they live and who lives with them.
Their job, including any driving or travel needs.
Any firearms or military issues.
Parenting and child care responsibilities.
Immigration, licensing, or clearance concerns.
The goal is simple. We want the judge to understand which conditions will protect the community and still let you keep your life as intact as possible while the case moves forward.
Next Steps
If you are charged with a crime in Washington and you see an arraignment date, treat it as a serious turning point. It is not just a quick reading of charges. It is the day the court sets the rules you must live under while the case is open.
Every court and every case is different, and this article is only a general guide. If you have an arraignment coming up, the safest step is to speak with a Washington criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can, so you walk into that hearing with a plan and someone who knows how to protect your rights.
Please give us a call at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1"] or fill out our online contact form. We can review your case and help you decide your next steps. Quick action can make a difference.]]>by Jeremy Goodman<![CDATA[Ignition Interlock Devices In Washington State]]>https://www.cascadelawyers.com/?p=2559422026-09-09T03:27:20Z2025-09-09T17:13:38ZWhat Is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An ignition interlock device is a small breath-testing machine that connects to your car’s ignition system. Before starting the vehicle, you must blow into the device. If the device detects alcohol above a very low threshold (usually 0.025), the car will not start.
The IID will also require rolling retests while driving. If you miss one or fail, it’s recorded and reported to the Department of Licensing (DOL), and could affect your license status or case outcome.
While many of our clients are concerned that they will be forced to use an IID, these devices are actually helpful because they can allow you to keep driving.
Who Has to Install an IID in Washington?
When you are arrested for DUI or refuse a breath test, there are both administrative and criminal processes that begin. So, there are two main ways an IID requirement can come into play:
1. Administrative (DOL) Requirements
If you are arrested for DUI or refuse a breath or other chemical test, the Washington Department of Licensing will typically suspend your driver’s license. This happens even before your criminal case is resolved. To keep driving, you can apply for an Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL). This is a unique type of restricted license that permits you to drive even if your regular license is suspended.
For most first-time DUI arrests, the DOL will impose a 90-day license suspension. If you install an interlock device and apply for an IIL, you may be able to drive during that suspension period.
2. Court-Ordered IID
A judge may order you to have an IIL at your first hearing, even if this is your first arrest for anything. The judge will order it if you ever had a prior DUI. Depending on the final outcome in court, you may have additional IID requirements (such as one year if you are convicted). Even if the court doesn’t order an IID, you may still need one if you want to drive during your license suspension.
First-Time DUI: Do You Need an Interlock?
Most first-time offenders are not court-ordered to get an IID unless there are aggravating factors like a high BAC or a breath test refusal. But the DOL often requires an interlock if you want to keep driving while your case is pending or during a suspension.
So even if you’re not convicted of DUI, you may still need an IID just to legally drive. The reason for this is your license is typically suspended before your criminal case is even done. That’s why you need an IID, so that you can get restricted driving privileges during your license suspension.
Keep Driving With An Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)
The IIL is a restricted license issued by the Washington Department of Licensing. It allows you to drive a vehicle with an IID installed, even if your regular license is suspended.
To get an IIL, you must:
Install an IID from a licensed provider
Show proof of SR-22 insurance
Pay an application fee
Submit required forms to the DOL
You must only drive a vehicle with an interlock device installed for the duration of your suspension, plus any period required by a court sentence. You cannot drive other vehicles without an IIL.
Generally speaking, the length of time you must use an IID depends on your case:
First DUI offense: Usually 1 year
Second DUI offense: At least 5 years
Third DUI offense: At least 10 years
Test refusal: May trigger longer IID requirements
In some cases, your IID period may overlap with your license suspension. In others, you may be required to maintain the device even after your license is reinstated. Out of state DUIs may have different impacts on your case.
Can Commercial Drivers Use an IID?
No. Commercial drivers are not allowed to operate a commercial vehicle with an interlock device, even with an IIL. If you have a CDL and are arrested for DUI, you will lose your ability to work in that capacity.
There is no workaround for this in Washington. If driving is your livelihood, it’s important to speak with a DUI trial lawyer immediately after an arrest to understand your risks and options.
Where Do You Get an Ignition Interlock Device?
Washington law requires that you use a certified interlock provider. You can’t install a device on your own or buy one off the internet. Approved vendors can be found through the Washington State Patrol’s list of certified ignition interlock companies. There are costs for installation, monthly fees and calibration fees.
You’ll also have to take the car in for regular monitoring and reporting.
The three most common companies our clients use for IID are LifeSafer, SmartStart and Intoxalock.
What If You Fail a Breath Test on the IID?
The IID records any failed attempts to start the vehicle or any missed rolling retests. These results are sent to the DOL and may trigger consequences such as:
Extension of the IID requirement
Cancellation of your license
Additional license penalties
Multiple violations may lead to an investigation or even new criminal charges if tampering is suspected.
What If You Tamper With the Device?
Tampering with an ignition interlock is a serious offense. That includes:
Trying to bypass the device
Having someone else blow into it
Disconnecting it
Any of these can lead to new criminal charges, loss of your license, and a longer interlock requirement.
If you believe there’s been a false positive or a mechanical issue, contact your device provider immediately and document the problem.
Why Many Drivers Install an Interlock Voluntarily
Even if you are not yet required to get an IID, many drivers choose to install one early because it allows them to keep their driving privileges. The restricted interlock driving license lets you continue driving. It can also show the court that you are being proactive about your situation.
If you’re arrested for DUI and you rely on your car, the interlock program gives you a legal way to keep driving, even if your regular license is suspended.
How a DUI Trial Lawyer Can Help
Washington’s ignition interlock laws are complicated. You are likely to be dealing with two processes at once: a criminal DUI case in court and a license suspension through the DOL.
Each process has different deadlines and different consequences. A criminal defense trial lawyer can help you understand how these systems interact and whether installing an IID now will help protect your driving privileges.
At Cascade Lawyers, we have helped hundreds of drivers facing DUI charges across Washington state. We understand how to protect your license and how to defend you from these charges.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI anywhere in Washington state, we can help you sort through your court options, DOL deadlines, and ignition interlock eligibility.
Please give us a call at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1"] or fill out our online contact form. We can review your case and help you decide your next steps. Early action can make a big difference.]]>