Q:        Someone I know got a DUI several months ago. Nothing has been done about it.
 

A:         DUI laws are complex and the prosecution is time consuming. As with all criminal charges, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty (or he/she pleads guilty). There are a number of possibilities why it may seem as if nothing has been done about it. For questions about prosecution of DUI offenders, please contact the prosecutor’s office in your area.

No charges were filed

Defendant was eligible for deferred prosecution

Additional Resources:

Washington Traffic Safety Commission DUI brochures

Washington Laws

Criminal Prosecution Flow Chart

Q:        My brother continues to drive drunk although he has had numerous DUIs. It’s just a matter of time until he’ll kill himself and/or others. What can I do?

A:         We appreciate you wanting to keep the roads safe. Please call 911 to report when you are witnessing your brother driving intoxicated. The response to 911 calls varies by jurisdiction. If your brother is currently under supervision for a previous DUI, please contact the prosecutor who prosecuted that case with your concerns.

Additional Resources:

MADD brochure Someone You Know Drinks and Drives

Al-Anon

Q:        Someone I know got a DUI but is still driving. How can that be?

A:         Besides the obvious fact that the offender is driving without a license, there may be other explanations.  Driving privileges are not automatically withdrawn the day someone gets cited for a DUI, but only after a conviction/guilty plea.  Also, Department of Licensing (DOL) administrative sanctions follow their own guidelines set by law.

Additional Resources:

Washington Traffic Safety Commission DUI brochure

Department of Licensing brochure Administrative License