Deferred Prosecution DUI Attorney Vancouver WA

Deferred Prosecution in Washington DUI Charges

Roger Priest is a criminal defense attorney in Vancouver WA with extensive courtroom experience in Washington’s complex criminal laws

Deferred Prosecution can be a valuable option when facing certain DUI charges. The benefits seem too good to be true. But it’s not a magic option. It is not well suited for every case and should be carefully considered. Every year in Washington people unwisely choose this option without thinking it through. Maybe they didn’t have the advice of a skilled DUI attorney. Perhaps they simply didn’t think through all of the options and pitfalls. Keep reading to find out why this option may make sense for your or maybe why you should steer clear.

The Good of Deferred Prosecution

First and foremost, it can get your DUI charge dismissed. There are few options to outright dismiss a DUI charge in Washington and deferred prosecution is a guaranteed way to do so. You can only do a deferred prosecution once in your lifetime. So, if you’ve never done one before, you qualify. You may be asking yourself, “What’s the downside?”

The Bad of Deferred Prosecution

The deferred prosecution program is not easy. The program lasts for approximately 5 years before you can get your case dismissed. Additionally, you will be required to complete 2 years of substantial substance abuse treatment. Why is that? Deferred prosecution is designed for people who admit they have a serious alcohol or drug problem. You have to be willing to admit three things to yourself and the court:

You have a serious drug or alcohol problem;
If you don’t get the treatment you need, you are likely to re-offend; and
You do not sincerely believe you are innocent of the crime.

If you meet this criteria, the court will let you enter the program. So, in short, you will be required to do 2 years of treatment. Then you have to wait an additional 3 years before the DUI is dismissed. Additionally, if you do not successfully complete the program, your DUI will almost assuredly result in a conviction.

If You Have Been Charged With A DUI In Clark County or Vancouver WA, Time Is Of The Essence!

Call Our Office To Speak With Attorney Roger Priest Immediately.

(360) 281-7314

How a Deferred Prosecution Works

If you wish to enter a deferred prosecution, you must complete several steps. Each of these steps must be completed to successfully navigate the program.

Step 1 – Get a Deferred Prosecution Evaluation

The first step to entering a deferred prosecution is to obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation that meets the requirements of the program. This can typically be obtained at any Washington State approved treatment agency. Do you have medical insurance? Great! Call your insurance company to see if treatment is covered. It can greatly reduce the overall cost of the treatment. Because the treatment lasts 2 years, it pays to have your insurance company pitching in. At the evaluation, the treatment agency will craft a treatment plan specifically required by the program. You will need a copy of that treatment plan to enter the program.

Step 2 – Attend a Deferred Prosecution Orientation if Available

Typically the deferred prosecution program is supervised by the probation department of the county in which is filed. As such, the probation department may offer an opportunity to come in and learn about what obligations are required. It never hurts to meet with the probation department and learn, ask questions, and fully discuss the program. Given that noncompliance can result in removal from

Step 3 – Consult with a DUI Lawyer

It is vital to fully understand what you are signing up for. There is no better source of information than an experienced DUI defense lawyer. He or she can answer all of your questions and give you valuable advise as to whether you are a good candidate for the program. Additionally, the attorney can review the evidence against you to help determine whether you have any defenses in your case.

Step 4 – Petition for Deferred Prosecution

To enter the deferred prosecution program in Washington, you must file a petition with the court. The court will require proof of your treatment plan and a case history or police report. Once you’ve completed these requirements, the court will sign an order entering you into the program. Now the real work begins.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Roger handled my case promptly and painlessly. We are from out of state and had spoken with quite a few attorneys in the area before we made the trip. Roger was middle of the road cost-wise (which was truly fair)and was clearly competent, handling the case in one trip over as oppose to the two or even three trip process many of the others were communicating would be the case. I would hire again without a second thought. Thanks again Roger.

Shelley W

Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn’t be happier, Highly recommend!!

Karin Saltz

Roger Priest provided truly exceptional service for a family member of mine. He was an extraordinary value for the level of knowledge and proffessionalism he provided. My loved one got the deal of a lifetime thanks to him. If any of my friends or family are ever in a less than fortunate spot and need legal advice Roger will always be my #1 reccomendation.

Taylor Vance

Roger Priest is professional, intelligent and experienced, you can tell by the way he holds himself in court. Out of the 21 lawyers I interviewed and compared on an excel spreadsheet. I put my trust in Roger and he didn\'t let me down.

Aaron M

Roger Priest was my Criminal Attorney for a DUI case I had in 2018. Through out the whole process he was in contact and always was reassuring! He gave his honest opinion on rather or not if my case would be worth going to trial, which is hard to come by! Today I left the courtroom a free man to come home to my family with a lot of tension lifted off my shoulders because of how he was articulate and presented my defense. I am very lucky to have him in my corner and to be spared. I will take this experience as a wake up call because these opportunities don\\\'t come too often! Mr. Priest definitely deserves a 5 star rating for his devotion and overall performance.

Roger Priest was referred to me by another lawyer (who could not take my case). Out of the 3 lawyers I reached out to Mr. Priest was willing to hear my case and not just try and convince me to take the easy route and plead out. He was informative, honest, and very tactical (in his approach with my case). Mr. Priest not only kept me updated with his plans and what to except he involved me in every aspect I could be in. He was very approachable and kind. I won my case, I wouldn’t have if I had gone with another lawyer. I am very satisfied with having had Roger Priest defend me. I hope to never have to use his services again but definitely would rehire him again (I wish I could hire him as my divorce attorney).

Alicia S.

I recently consulted Roger for my first and only legal matter. He explained at length the legal ramifications that i was facing and he listened closely to all my questions and concerns. He was very attentive and empathic towards my situation and did not rush through things. I would highly recommend Roger to anyone I know seeking legal representation.

Itzel Keefer

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