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DUI License Suspension Attorneys in Vancouver, WA

Losing your license is often the fastest consequence of a DUI arrest, and the hearing-request window can be as short as seven days after notice. We handle these hearings alongside your criminal case.

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The License Suspension Process

Step Detail
Breath test or refusal Request within 7 days after the officer serves the DOL notice
Blood test Request within 7 days after receiving the DOL's later mailed notice
Hearing fee $375; an indigency waiver is available
Hearing scheduling Within 30 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after DOL receives the request
Suspension length if you lose or do not request a hearing 90 days or 1 year, depending on the circumstances
A DMV notice of license suspension with car keys and a driver license
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License Suspension Attorney Vancouver WA

The Washington Department of Licensing action is separate from your criminal DUI case. In a breath-test or refusal case, the seven-day period to request a hearing begins when the officer serves the DOL notice. In a blood-test case, DOL generally mails notice after blood testing is completed and the department receives the results, which can take more than a year because of crime-lab delays.

The seven-day period then begins when that later mailed notice is received. If an officer hands a driver notice at the hospital in a blood-test case, that does not begin the seven-day period. Requesting a hearing costs $375, and an indigency waiver is available.

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DUI License Suspension Duration

If you either don't request a hearing or lose the hearing, your license can be suspended for either 90 days or 1 year, depending on the circumstances of your DUI case. In a breath-test or refusal case, use the notice served by the officer to request the hearing within seven days. In a blood-test case, use the later notice mailed by DOL after it receives the completed test results, and request the hearing within seven days after receiving that mailed notice.

Because the applicable seven-day window is short, act promptly once the notice that starts the deadline is served or received.

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License Suspension Hearing Procedure

Once you've requested the hearing, the Department of Licensing will either contact you or your criminal attorney, if you hired one. You will receive copies of the police reports that are proposed exhibits in the administrative hearing to follow. You can then prepare your own evidence, subpoena witnesses and prepare briefing for the hearing.

The hearing must be scheduled within 30 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after DOL receives the request. On the date of the hearing, an administrative law judge will call you or your attorney. The Department of Licensing bears the burden of proving that you drove a motor vehicle, that the police officer had a reasonable basis to stop you and to arrest you for DUI, and that your BAC was above a 0.08% (or that you refused the test).

Although that seems simple to accomplish, there are a variety of ways that the hearings can be won if simple mistakes were made. A DUI lawyer can help you decide whether you have a good shot at winning your hearing.

Contact us

Only Seven Days After Notice to Request a DOL Hearing. Do Not Wait

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
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Cases we handle

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4.9 star reviews based on 110+ reviews

What Our Clients Say About Us

I hired Roger to represent my husband when he was arrested on false charges. From the very beginning, Roger was responsive, knowledgeable and willing to take on the case. He was the only one to return my call when I was searching for help. He is very confident in his ability and worked hard to get all the charges dismissed. He is able to be calm in situations where his clients are anything but. I am so grateful for the services provided by Roger. He is very respected in the legal community here in Vancouver. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I did, Roger would be my first choice.
RL Rosie L. 2 months ago
I am writing a much overdue review for Roger Priest after he has gone above and beyond while representing me as my lawyer. Last year I found myself facing legal difficulties after my first and only DUI. While the circumstances were incredibly stressful, Roger's involvement in my case made the process straight forward and my case was resolved in a timely manner. Roger is exceptionally proficient in cases like mine and he demonstrates that in and out of the court room. Not only did he walk me through the process but he put my family's concerns at ease by answering all of our questions and making himself available whenever we needed clarification. I was very fortunate to have Roger on my side during that difficult time and would highly recommend his services to anyone that finds themselves in need of legal counsel. Thank you once again, Roger!
CM Carly M. 3 months ago
Called for advice on what turned out to be a scam call. Roger Priest had me at ease in a very timely manner. Thank you!
FA Florence A. 1 month ago
VanWa Legal exceeded my expectations. From the initial consultation to the final court appearance, they were thorough, strategic, and always had my best interests in mind. Their attention to detail and dedication to their clients is unmatched. Highly recommend!
D Deimer 2 months ago
Roger Priest at VanWa Legal has been instrumental in changing my life for the better. He fought for me and won! I'm forever grateful.
BC Becky C 4 months ago
I met Roger at the start of 2025, somehow after I paid for a fender bender that I caused I was hit with a hit and run little did I know when I had a warrant two years after the incident. As of today my case was entirely dismissed without even going to trial. I couldn't be happier with the results and couldn't vouch for a different lawyer. Every time we had a court date, we were the first ones on and promptly the first case handled. Roger Priest is the man- I would highly recommend you give him a call if you are experiencing trouble.
CC Cristian Carter 1 month ago
Had a consultation with Roger priest this morning, paid attention to detail and what he had to say and he was very honest and upforward not to mention he took the time to look up additional information which lead to the best possible news. I thought my life was over and he gave me hope. Thank you Roger I will be hiring you!!! You give people with a bad past who are trying to do good lots of hope! God bless you.
ML Mr Lopez 3 months ago
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.
SW Shelley W 5 months ago
Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn't be happier, Highly recommend!!
KS Karin Saltz 6 months ago
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.
TV Taylor Vance 5 months ago
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.
AM Aaron M 7 months ago
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.
JB JB 8 months ago
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).
AS Alicia S. 6 months ago
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.
IK Itzel Keefer 7 months ago

FAQ

Common DUI License Suspension Questions

How long do I have to request a license suspension hearing?

In a breath-test or refusal case, you have seven days after the officer serves the DOL notice. In a blood-test case, you have seven days after receiving the later notice mailed by DOL once it has received the completed blood-test results.

Does notice handed to me at the hospital start the deadline in a blood-test case?

No. In a blood-test case, notice handed to you by an officer at the hospital does not start the seven-day period. The deadline begins with the later notice DOL mails after it receives the completed blood-test results.

Is the license suspension the same as my criminal DUI case?

No. The Department of Licensing suspension is a separate administrative action that moves on its own timeline, independent of the criminal charge. You can win one and lose the other, which is why both need to be handled from the start.

Can I still drive during a suspension?

In many cases you can apply for an ignition interlock driver's license, which lets you keep driving with an approved interlock device installed and proper insurance. Eligibility and requirements depend on your circumstances, so it is worth asking an attorney about your options right away.

Contact us

Speak With A Lawyer Now

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
The VanWa Legal attorney team