If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Bellevue, your arraignment is coming up fast. This first court appearance sets the tone for everything that follows—your plea, your bail conditions, your ability to drive while the case is pending. Most people walk into arraignment with no idea what’s happening or what they should do.
Eastside DUI has represented clients at DUI arraignments in King County courts for 15 years. Our attorneys—Roberto Yranela, Matthew Skau, and Robin Tu—handle arraignments routinely, often appearing on behalf of clients so they don’t have to miss work or face the stress of a courtroom alone. We understand what happens at arraignment and how to use this first hearing to position your case for the best possible outcome. A Bellevue, WA DUI lawyer from our team can represent you at arraignment and begin building your defense immediately.
Contact us for a free consultation.
Why Choose Eastside DUI For Your DUI Arraignment In Bellevue, WA?
We Handle Arraignments Constantly
Arraignment might be your first time in criminal court. It’s not ours. We appear at DUI arraignments in Bellevue Municipal Court and King County District Court week after week. That familiarity matters. We know the judges, we know the prosecutors, and we know how to navigate the process efficiently. A Bellevue DUI arraignment attorney who handles these hearings regularly can often resolve procedural issues and set favorable conditions that attorneys unfamiliar with local courts would miss.
Roberto Yranela founded this firm with a focus on DUI defense. He’s been practicing since 2013 and has handled countless arraignments throughout King County. He earned his undergraduate degrees from the University of Washington and his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law. Our team—including attorneys Matthew Skau and Robin Tu—brings the same level of preparation to every arraignment, whether it’s a first offense or a felony DUI.
Recognition for DUI Defense
Results and recognition go together. Super Lawyers has named Roberto Yranela to the Top 40 Under 40 for DUI defense. He’s received the Avvo Client’s Choice award and been included in the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. When you need a DUI attorney in Bellevue with demonstrated success handling DUI cases from the very first hearing, we have the credentials and the experience.
We Can Appear for You
Washington law allows attorneys to appear at arraignment on behalf of clients in most misdemeanor cases. That means you may not need to take time off work, arrange childcare, or sit nervously in a courtroom. We handle the hearing, enter your plea, address bail conditions, and report back to you. One less thing to worry about during an already stressful time.
What Our Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used Roberto for a speeding ticket out of King County District Court in Issaquah. He was very easy to work with. Great communication. And he was able to get my ticket dismissed. I will definitely use him again for any other traffic matters and recommend him to any one I know.” – Ashton Amirkabirian
Types Of DUI Arraignment Cases We Handle In Bellevue
Arraignment procedures vary based on the specific charges you’re facing. Our DUI defense attorneys handle all types.
- First offense DUI arraignment. For most first-time defendants, arraignment is their introduction to the criminal justice system. We explain what’s happening, enter the appropriate plea, and work to secure release conditions that allow you to continue driving and working while your case proceeds. A Bellevue DUI lawyer ensures you don’t make mistakes at this critical first step.
- High BAC DUI arraignment. Charges involving BAC of 0.15% or higher carry enhanced penalties, and prosecutors may seek stricter bail conditions. We advocate for reasonable conditions despite the elevated charges.
- Repeat offense DUI arraignment. Second and third DUI charges within seven years face increased scrutiny from judges. Prior history affects bail decisions and the court’s initial view of your case. Experienced representation at arraignment matters even more in these situations.
- Felony DUI arraignment. Fourth offenses within ten years or DUIs causing serious injury are felonies in Washington. Felony arraignments occur in superior court with different procedures and higher stakes. These cases require immediate, aggressive representation.
- DUI with license suspension. If your license is already suspended when arrested for DUI, you face additional charges. Arraignment addresses multiple counts, and the interaction between charges affects strategy from day one.
- Out-of-state defendant arraignment. If you live outside Washington but were arrested for DUI in Bellevue, appearing for arraignment creates logistical challenges. We can often appear on your behalf, minimizing travel and disruption.
Washington Legal Requirements For DUI Arraignment
Washington’s arraignment procedures follow rules established by the Washington State Courts. Understanding these requirements helps you know what to expect.
If you’re held in custody after arrest, arraignment must occur within 48 hours (not counting weekends and holidays) under CrRLJ 3.2.1. If you posted bail or were released, arraignment is scheduled for the next available court date—typically within two to four weeks.
At arraignment, the court formally advises you of the charges under RCW 46.61.502 and informs you of your constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney, the right to a jury trial, and the right to remain silent. You then enter a plea. In almost every case, we enter a not guilty plea at arraignment. This preserves all options—dismissal, negotiation, trial—while we investigate the case and develop defense strategy.
The court also sets bail conditions at arraignment. For DUI cases, common conditions include no driving without a valid license and ignition interlock, no alcohol or drug use, and no new criminal violations. A DUI lawyer in Bellevue can argue for conditions that allow you to continue working and meeting family obligations rather than overly restrictive requirements.
Knowing your rights after arrest before arraignment helps you understand what’s happening and why certain decisions matter.
What Happens At A DUI Arraignment In Bellevue
A Bellevue DUI arraignment lawyer prepares you for each element of this hearing:
- Reading of charges. The judge or clerk reads the formal charges against you. For DUI, this typically includes violation of RCW 46.61.502. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if you have prior offenses, the charges reflect those aggravating factors. Knowing what to avoid saying during your original stop affects what evidence supports these charges.
- Advisement of rights. The court explains your constitutional rights—to an attorney, to remain silent, to a speedy trial, to confront witnesses. These aren’t formalities. They’re protections that shape your entire case. A Bellevue DUI attorney ensures you understand these rights and how to exercise them effectively.
- Entry of plea. You’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. We almost always recommend pleading not guilty at arraignment. This isn’t about denying what happened—it’s about preserving options. A not guilty plea allows time to review evidence, challenge breathalyzer results, negotiate with prosecutors, and build the strongest possible defense.
- Bail and release conditions. The court determines whether you remain free pending trial and under what conditions. Prosecutors sometimes request strict conditions—no driving at all, alcohol monitoring, travel restrictions. We advocate for reasonable conditions that acknowledge the charges while allowing you to maintain employment and family responsibilities.
- Scheduling future hearings. Arraignment ends with setting dates for pre-trial conferences and other proceedings. Our drunk driving defense team tracks every deadline and prepares for each subsequent hearing as your case moves forward.
- The DOL deadline reminder. Arraignment addresses the criminal case, but the Washington Department of Licensing administrative process runs separately. You have only 20 days from arrest to request a DOL hearing to challenge license suspension. Working with a DUI defense attorney early means both the criminal case and the DOL matter get proper attention from the start.
Contact Eastside DUI
Your arraignment is often your first interaction with the criminal justice system. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our Bellevue DUI arraignment lawyers have spent 15 years handling these hearings and guiding clients through what comes next.
We offer free consultations to explain the process and discuss your options. DUI defense fees start at $3,500, and we explain all costs upfront before you make any commitment.
The clock is already running on important deadlines. Contact Eastside DUI today to ensure your arraignment goes as smoothly as possible.
