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Abby Wambach 100% Sober After DUI Arrest

Written by David O
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Abby Wambach 100% Sober After DUI Arrest

Congratulations to US soccer professional, Abby Wambach, who happily reports she has been completely sober after her arrest for DUI back in April!  That equals five months of sobriety!  Soon after the DUI arrest, Abby publicly vowed that she would take responsibility for her decision to drive under the influence, and it definitely appears she has done so and is doing well!

Wambach was pulled over on April 2nd by police on the outskirts of Portland Oregon for an incomplete stop at a red light.  She failed DUI field sobriety tests and blew a .13 breathalyzer result, amounting to her DUI arrest.

When released from the police station, Wambach immediately took ownership of her actions and posted this apology on her Facebook page;

Last night I was arrested for DUI in Portland after dinner at a friend’s house.
Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down.
I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.
I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.
– Abby

A few weeks later while in court, Wambach pled guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicants and entered a diversion plan offered to first time DUI offenders.  While under the diversion plan, Abby is required to have a breathalyzer installed on all vehicle she operates and must undergo drug and alcohol treatment.  If she successfully completes the year-long diversion plan, it’s likely the judge will dismiss her DUI charge.

It’s been five months since the DUI arrest, and so far so good for the retired soccer player.  At this point she will only have good news to report to the judge.

TMZ recently caught up with Wambach in LAX.  When asked about her sobriety, Wambach happily told TMZ reporters she was totally sober and that she learned her lesson from the DUI charge, “You learn, you learn… you live and you learn.”

Thanks again Abby for being a great role model even when you make a mistake!  Nobody is perfect, and it’s awesome that you are moving forward from your mistake and trying your best not to repeat it.  We wish you continued success with your case and sobriety.  You Rock!

 

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DUI – The DOL Hearing Process

Written by David O
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DUI – The DOL Hearing Process

Let’s talk about the DOL (Department of Licensing) hearing that is part of dealing with a DUI charge in Washington State.  It’s very important to understand what a DOL hearing is and what action you need to take when you receive a DOL hearing notice in the mail.

Understanding a DOL hearing

Businessman & PhoneWhen arrested and charged with a DUI in Washington State an individual will have to deal with two separate components;

  1. The criminal charge of DUI which is heard in court in front of a judge, and
  2. An administrative hearing with the DOL, which is conducted over the phone with an administrative hearing officer.

The Difference between a DOL Hearing and a DUI Court Case

A DOL hearing and a DUI court case are two different components and they are handled differently.  A DOL hearing is an administrative hearing and not a criminal charge.  It is handled over the phone with a hearing officer.  A hearing officer can ask you questions over the phone, so you may want to hire a DUI criminal defense attorney to handle it for you.  If you have been assigned a public defender for your DUI case, they will NOT handle your hearing with the DOL.  An individual can choose to represent themselves, but it is not recommended because of the technical nature of the hearing.

A hearing with the DOL is completely separate from a DUI court case and they have no impact on each other.   For example, if your criminal case was dismissed in court, you would still have to proceed forth with your DOL hearing and the possible consequences.  The same is true for the other way around, if you win your DOL hearing, this would not affect your criminal DUI case in any way.

20 Days to send in the Form to Request a DOL Hearing

Generally when an individual is arrested for DUI the officer will provide a hearing request form to that person prior to getting released from the station or prior to being taken into custody to jail .  The form MUST be filled out entirely and returned to the DOL no later than 20 days from the date you were arrested for DUI.  Don’t know when you were arrested, check your ticket, it will show the date.  If you fail to request for a hearing within the 20 day deadline or send in your form after the 20 days than your driving privileges will be suspended and notice of the suspension will be mailed to the driver.

What Happens at the DOL Hearing

You will be assigned a date and time on which the hearing will occur.  The individual may want to be present or may not depending on the facts and circumstances.  However, if the driver is present for the hearing it subjects that person to questioning by the hearing officer.

The Department of Licensing will not make a decision on the date of your hearing.  Generally, the Department of Licensing will take approximately 2-4 weeks to write up the decision and have it mailed to all interested parties.  If the decision is in your favor than you will maintain your driving privileges with the DOL.  If the decision is not in your favor than you will lose your licenses for the amount of days indicated on the notice.

 

Still have questions about the DOL hearing process, or have you been charged with a DUI?  Give us a call and we would be happy to help, 206-459-6392.

DUI / Drunk Driving / DWI, Legal Blog

Increased DUI and BUI Patrols for the 4th of July Weekend

Written by David O
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Increased DUI and BUI Patrols for the 4th of July Weekend

The 4th of July is just days away and since it falls on a Monday this year, many will have a three-day weekend, hurray!  Talk about a fun holiday; backyard BBQ’s, parades, community gatherings, and of course fireworks.  It’s a great way to remember that back on July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence and declared the United States a new and free nation.

Independence Day typography card. Vector illustration

However, with all this 4th of July summer fun, comes increased drinking and driving, so expect to see a greater presence of law enforcement officers watching the roadways and waterways for DUI’s and BUI’s (driving under the influence and boating under the influence), in efforts to keep all people safe.

Starting today, June 30th, city police and county sheriffs will increase their DUI patrol units.  The increase in law enforcement will continue through the holiday weekend and will start to taper off mid day Tuesday, July 5th.

And for those celebrating the 4th out on a boat in the Seattle waterways, be aware that the coast guard and Seattle police will be out in full force patrolling for possible BUI’s.  Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol while operating a boat.

Here’s what you can do to prevent DUI’s and BUI’s this Independence Day weekend;
  • The simplest solution to avoid a DUI and BUI is to not drink any type of alcohol or partake in any type of drug use.
  • Designate a sober driver; someone who does not consume any alcohol or drugs through out the entire day.
  • If you are a designated driver or a sober driver, be a good defensive driver and be aware there could be an intoxicated driver on the road.
  • If you do decide to drink, don’t drive and take advantage of all the great public transportation options; taxi, buses, Uber, Rideshare, etc.
  • If you see a friend or family member under the influence that wants to drive, try to get their car keys and suggest an alternative way for them to get home safely.  See our blog, “How You can Prevent a DUI – Tips on getting the Car Keys” for helpful hits.

 

Happy 4th of July from David O Defense!  Stay safe this Independence Day and make smart decisions.

 

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