Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Suspended License

Hi, I recently was cited for driving with a suspended license in the 3rd degree in Washington State. I have been to my first hearing to state my plea and have also been to my readiness hearing. I missed my most recent hearing though and now have a warrant. My question is, what do I do now? I have waived my right to a PD and was intending to change my plea of not guilty to guilty and see if I could get a plea bargain of reduced sentence. How does the bail bonds system work and what kind of rammifications am I looking at here?


Asked on 5/30/08, 8:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Suspended License

Mr. Ferris is right. Call the court clerk first and see if the warrant can be recalled. If so, pay the warrant fee, usually $50.00, and get a new court date. This has to be done in person as you will have to sign for your new date. If the warrant can't be recalled, you will have to post cash bail or get a bail bond which will cost you 10% of the face amount of the bond or a minimum fee of $50-$100. Then you will get a new court date. I work in these courts all of the time and so I have the experience you need to resolve this matter. You will need to resolve the reason you were suspended in the first place, e.g., unpaid traffic ticket for sppeeding, etc.,and then concentrate on resolving this DWLS 3 charge. With the right help from an attorney, you may be able to reduce the charge down to a traffic infraction from a criminal citation which is what is is at this point. If you waived a PD, you may not be able to get that right back as it depends upon your circumstances. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck!

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Answered on 6/02/08, 9:01 pm
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: Suspended License

If you are trying to negotiate a plea bargain, you should return to court and ask for a public defender. An experienced attorney can advise you of weaknesses or deficiencies, alternatives to pleading guilty and assist you in reinstating your driving privelege . . . and perhaps help you get a reduced sentence if you are ultimately convicted of the offense.

You need to appear at the clerk's office (some courts will recall a warrant if you do so), request a court date and apply for a PD (or retain counsel).

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Answered on 5/30/08, 8:43 pm


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