DUI AND TRAFFIC FAQ’S
At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we know that questions about Washington’s DUI and traffic laws come up long before someone ever steps foot in a courtroom. Whether you’re facing a traffic ticket, a DUI, or a marijuana-related charge, this resource breaks down the most common questions our clients ask — with links to in-depth answers for each topic.
Traffic Ticket FAQs
For a broader look at how these cases are handled, visit our DUI defense page.
If you need help beyond the answer, see our traffic ticket defense page.
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt that stays on your driving record for years. From speeding in school zones to red light cameras, every infraction carries hidden costs in insurance premiums. These FAQs explain why “mitigation” isn’t the same as dismissal, how to use deferred findings to keep your record clean, and when an attorney can appear in court so you don’t have to.
DUI DEFENSE FAQs
Facing a DUI charge involves two separate battles: the criminal court case and the Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing. A DUI arrest triggers immediate deadlines that can affect your ability to drive before you even see a judge. These FAQs break down the “two-track” system, explaining the difference between your criminal charges and your administrative license suspension, and what steps you must take immediately to protect your freedom.
Some questions are easier to answer in person. Watch Barbara answer common DUI defense questions — SR-22, license suspension, breath test refusal, and more — in her own words. Visit The Video Library →
Marijuana DUI FAQs
For a broader look at cannabis-related cases, visit our marijuana DUI defense page.
Washington law allows for legal cannabis use, but driving with active THC in your blood is a strict liability offense. Defending against a Marijuana DUI requires understanding complex blood testing procedures and the difference between “impairment” and “legal limits.” These questions explain how the state tests for active THC versus inactive metabolites, the rights of medical cardholders, and how to challenge the results.
FELONY & REPEAT DUI FAQs
If prior history or elevated charges are part of the issue, review our repeat and felony DUI page.
When a DUI becomes a felony, the risk shifts from county jail to state prison. If you have prior offenses within the seven-year “look-back” period, or if your charge involves serious injury, the penalties escalate drastically. These FAQs cover the harsh realities of felony charges, mandatory minimum sentences, and the specific defense strategies required when the stakes are at their highest.
HIT & RUN DEFENSE FAQS
For a fuller look at these charges, see our hit and run defense page.
The difference between a simple misdemeanor and a felony often comes down to who—or what—was hit. Panic often leads to poor decisions, but a “Hit and Run” charge doesn’t always mean you are a criminal. These questions clarify the critical legal distinction between hitting an “attended” vehicle versus an “unattended” parked car, the consequences for your license, and how to handle the situation if you’ve already left the scene.
HABITUAL OFFENDER (HTO) FAQS
If revocation risk is part of the issue, see our habitual traffic offender defense page.
Losing your license for seven years affects your job, your family, and your independence. The “Habitual Traffic Offender” status is the state’s harshest administrative penalty, triggered by three major strikes or twenty moving violations. These FAQs guide you through the specific math of HTO status, how to petition for early reinstatement, and how to avoid the mandatory jail time associated with driving while HTO.
SUSPENDED LICENSE (DWLS) FAQS
For help protecting your ability to drive, visit our suspended license defense page.
Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) is a criminal cycle that is difficult to break without legal help. Whether your license was suspended for unpaid tickets (3rd Degree) or a previous DUI (2nd Degree), getting back on the road requires navigating both the court and the DOL. These questions explain the degrees of suspension, how to clear old fines, and how to obtain an Ignition Interlock License (IIL) so you can drive legally while resolving your case.
CDL / COMMERCIAL DRIVER FAQS
If your livelihood depends on your license, see our commercial driver license defense page.
For professional drivers, a single traffic ticket is a direct threat to your livelihood. Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard, and standard options like “deferrals” are often legally unavailable to CDL holders. These FAQs address the unique federal and state regulations that impact your career, including CSA points, “serious traffic violations,” and how a personal vehicle DUI impacts your Class A license.
Additional FAQs
If you don’t see your question listed, you can always contact our team for a free consultation. Our attorneys handle traffic and DUI cases throughout Pierce, King, and Thurston Counties and can walk you through your options step by step.