Charged – What to Expect?

In most cases, once you have been arrested for DUI, you will either be released into the custody of a friend or relative or booked into jail.

In some jurisdictions such as Seattle, the arresting officer will serve you with a citation for DUI that will include an appearance date. You must appear at this hearing. In other jurisdictions, no citation for DUI will be issued. Rather, the police officer will forward the arrest report to the prosecuting attorney’s office. The prosecutor will review the police report and determine whether to file charges. It may be weeks, or in some cases months, before a charging decision is made. If the case is filed, a summons to appear in court for arraignment will be mailed to your address. You should consult an attorney before the arraignment. If you fail to appear at the arraignment a warrant will be issued for your arrest.