Did you know that when you get a DUI in Washington State, the first thing that happens is that your license is suspended? In Washington State, driving is a privilege, not a right. One of the requirements to access this privilege is that every time you are behind the wheel, you agree to be sober. You also agree that if you're suspected of a DUI, you're required to take a sobriety test (breathalyzer or other chemical test) and refusal automatically results in license suspension, even before your criminal case begins. It's a major part of the process that can catch many people off guard.
The suspension doesn't just happen if you're convicted. It can occur immediately after your arrest. In fact, you only have a short window of time to request a hearing and challenge your license suspension. Our Tacoma DUI lawyers can help you act fast.
We'll handle all the paperwork, put together a strong argument to protect your license, and represent you through the DOL hearing. For over 30 years, our attorneys have been helping people just like you keep their driver's license after a DUI. We can help you too.
Don't wait. Contact our Tacoma-based team now to start building your defense and ensure you're fully prepared for what's ahead.
What Is A Washington State DOL Hearing?A Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing is a separate legal process from your criminal court case, triggered after a DUI arrest. Under RCW 46.20.308, if you refuse a breath test or have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, the DOL automatically initiates a hearing within 20 days of your arrest to determine whether to suspend your driver's license.
If you fail to request the DOL hearing, the DOL automatically suspends your license.
How Implied Consent Laws Affect Your Washington State Driver's LicenseWashington State has an "implied consent" law (RCW 46.20.308). Implied consent means that by driving in the state, you've already agreed to take a breathalyzer or blood test if arrested for DUI. If you refuse, the consequences are serious:
Fortunately, our Tacoma attorneys who specialize in DUI defense can help you.
Will My License Be Suspended With A DUI Charge In Tacoma?Yes, your license will likely be suspended if you're arrested for a DUI in Tacoma, but there are options to minimize the impact. Under RCW 46.61.5055, the DOL can suspend your license up to 90 days after a first DUI offense and longer for subsequent offenses. However, you can apply for a restricted driver's license so you can get to work, school, and other essential places.
Our Tacoma Attorneys Answer Your FAQs About DUI License SuspensionAfter over 30 years of practicing law in Washington State, our Tacoma DUI defense attorneys have learned a thing or two about how to protect our clients during DOL hearings. We're always available to answer your pressing questions about DUI DOL hearings, including:
A: If you refuse a breath test, Washington's Implied Consent Law under RCW 46.20.308 kicks in immediately. When you drive on Washington State roads, you've legally consented to breath, blood, or urine testing if you're lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing that test is a violation, even if you're not later convicted of DUI. The officer will report your refusal, and the DOL will begin an administrative license suspension process. Suspension is separate from any criminal charges. It doesn't matter whether you were pulled over in Tacoma near the Lincoln District or parked outside Point Defiance Park. The refusal triggers the same process everywhere in Pierce County.
A: Yes, unless you challenge it. Under RCW 46.20.308(6)(a), the DOL must suspend your license for at least one year if you refuse a breath test. This suspension is automatic unless you request a hearing within 7 days of your arrest. The DOL doesn't care where the DUI happened. Once the arresting officer submits the report, the clock starts ticking. So if you don't respond, you lose your license.
A: Per RCW 46.20.308(7), you have exactly seven calendar days to request a hearing after receiving the Notice of Suspension or Revocation. Missing that deadline means automatic suspension, with no exceptions. In Pierce County, we often see officers hand out the notice right at the scene, whether it's near 6th Ave in Tacoma or in the parking lot of Tacoma Mall. You can request the hearing online or by mail, but we strongly recommend speaking with us first so we can help build your defense strategy from the start.
A: Once the hearing is complete, the hearing examiner usually issues a decision within 5 to 10 business days, sometimes sooner. These are administrative hearings, so don't expect courtroom formality, but the outcome matters. If the DOL upholds the suspension, it kicks in quickly. If you win, your license is spared, at least until the criminal case plays out. In our Tacoma office, we track these timelines closely, especially since some clients are trying to get ignition interlock licenses to drive through Downtown Tacoma or out to work in Fife or South Hill.
A: Yes, but it's not guaranteed. While you can request a continuance under WAC 308-103-070, it must be made in writing and show good cause. Illness, scheduling conflicts with court appearances, or needing more time to gather evidence are common reasons. The Pierce County hearing officer has the discretion to grant or deny it. If your DOL hearing overlaps with your criminal court date at the Pierce County District Court near the Tacoma Dome, we'll coordinate the schedule to avoid conflicts. However, do not assume you'll get extra time. File early and be specific for the best chance for postponement.
A: Technically, no, but practically, yes. The DOL hearing, which is your only chance to stop the administrative suspension, is not easy. The hearing officer will rely on RCW 46.20.308, your arrest reports, breath test logs, and the officer's sworn statement. They'll examine probable cause, lawful arrest procedures, and test administration. If any part of the state's case is flawed, we can argue to suppress that evidence. We've handled many of these hearings across Washington State, so having us in your corner means you won't miss procedural issues or get tripped up on technical grounds.
A: The DOL relies heavily on the arresting officer's sworn report, your BAC results or refusal, and supporting documentation like the breath test logs, implied consent warnings, and incident reports. In cases from Tacoma to Lakewood, we've seen DOL decisions hinge on whether the officer clearly read the Implied Consent Warnings required by RCW 46.20.308(2). If the warnings were rushed, incomplete, or not properly documented, we can challenge the admissibility. The DOL doesn't call witnesses unless requested, so the written record is everything.
One of the first things the state comes after in a DUI case is your driver's license. Under RCW 46.20.308, Washington's implied consent law, your license can be suspended even if you haven't been convicted yet. The DOL starts the suspension process automatically. You have just 7 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing. That's all.
We've spent years fighting license suspensions for our clients. Our legal strategy begins with attacking the foundation of the stop. We ask:
If they didn't, we'd expose it. We've cross-examined officers from Tacoma PD, Pierce County Sheriff's Office, and even JBLM military police who made DUI arrests off base.
Whether your DUI stop happened outside Wild Waves, near Tacoma Mall, or after brunch at Honey at Alma, we'll examine every single procedural detail to look for errors. If the law enforcement officer made a mistake, we will use that mistake to challenge the suspension. We've won with this strategy many times in our 30 years of defending Washington State residents.
Keeping your license isn't just about convenience; it's about keeping your job, supporting your family, and staying independent. We've helped nurses working at St. Joseph Medical Center, long-haul drivers leaving the Port of Tacoma, and students at UW Tacoma avoid devastating license penalties. We fight to secure stays on license suspensions, argue for occupational and ignition interlock licenses under RCW 46.20.385, and present strong mitigation at DOL hearings. We've saved licenses in cases from arrest locations near Point Defiance Zoo, Fort Nisqually, and even during DUI sweeps near Cheney Stadium. Don't wait for the state to make its move. Call us, and let's take action before your license is gone.
You Can Lose Your Washington State Driver's License After A DUI In TacomaYou can lose your license fast after a DUI, even before you go to court. If you took a breath test and failed, or if you refused, the DOL will try to suspend your license. You only have 7 days from the date of your arrest to ask for a hearing to fight it. If you miss that deadline, your license will be gone automatically. That's why you need an attorney. We help you file for the hearing on time, prepare your defense, and fight to keep you driving.
What Happens At A DUI DOL Hearing In Pierce County?If you've been arrested for a DUI in Tacoma, there's more to worry about than just your court date. The DOL starts a separate process to suspend your license, and the clock is ticking. Under RCW 46.20.308, you only have 7 days from your arrest to put in a request with the DOL for a hearing, during which you can legally contest your license suspension. If you don't act quickly, you lose your license automatically. Whether you were pulled over near Point Defiance, arrested on South 38th Street, or caught on the side of the road in Fife, a DOL hearing is your opportunity to fight back. Here's exactly what to expect:
If you win your DOL hearing, we will move forward with defending the DUI charge in court. If you lose, we still have options to appeal the suspension and work with the court to reduce the criminal penalties. Because DUI penalties in Pierce County can be severe, we use every possible angle to protect your rights. From Tacoma's busiest neighborhoods like Old Town and South Tacoma to the quieter areas of Frederickson and Puyallup, we've helped clients fight and win these hearings across the state.
Our Tacoma Attorneys Will Represent You At Your DOL HearingDUI charges are legally complicated, so defending your rights during the DOL hearing process requires local expertise. Call our Pierce County law offices today for a free consultation. Our experienced Tacoma DUI attorneys will review your case and help protect your driving privileges.