Legal Question in DUI Law in Washington
My son got a DUI in Washington State
My son is 21 years old, and he got a DUI in Washington State in 2001 and did not pay his fines. He is now living with me in Alabama and is wanting to straighten his life out and go back to school, however, Washington State has issued a warrant and he isn't able to get a driver's license here until this is cleared up. He has written to the judge asking for a review of his case, but has yet to receive a reply. He can't enroll in college or get a job until he get's a driver's license. I am unsure of what step to take at this point. Should he turn himself in here in Alabama? I need some direction on what course to take next. Thank you so much for your help.
--name removed--Starin
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: My son got a DUI in Washington State
Good morning sir,
It probably would not do any good for your son to turn himself in there. Likely, he would sit in jail a few days only to have Washington State decide that it was not worth transporting him from Alabama for a misdemeanor charge. I am not sure why he cannot enroll in college or get a job until he gets a drivers license. Perhaps the laws in Alabama are different from here? What he needs to do is hire a lawyer in the jursidiction he had the charge who can hopefully appear for him or at least get a court date set in advance of his coming here. When he does come here he should have enough money to pay the fines off (contact the court for the amount as it has likely increased) and bring any documentation he can gather showing "good character"--letters from employers or teachers, volunteer work he's doing, nice written statements from his parents and family saying how well he is doing now. You don't mention whether he was ordered into alcohol treatment from the charge. If so, he should have all documentation showing he complied with the court order.
Re: My son got a DUI in Washington State
Get the entire fine and court costs for Washington State together. Get a Certified Bank Check and mail it with the case number On The Check - CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT- to the court in Washington State.
Was there a Drug and Alcohol Program he was supposed to take?? IF SO, did he take it?? IF NOT - find out from the Washington State Court if he can take the COURSE in ALABAMA. People do this all the time.
If paying the fine and court costs and completing the program STILL do not resolve the problem, then get a criminal defense lawyer in Washington State (the city where he got the DUI) and pay them to resolve the matter.
I don't think you need a driver's license to go to school, but probably may need some form of ID if you want in-state tuition.
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