How to Help When Someone Gets a DUI

When someone close to you is arrested for a DUI in Washington state, you may find yourself unsure of how to help. Are they in jail? How do you post bail? Where’s their car? How soon do they need a lawyer?

DUI cases in Washington involve time-sensitive decisions, administrative hurdles, and potential long-term consequences. Form emotional support to legal research, your help today can make a big difference with how their case turns out.

Are They Being Arrested for DUI Right Now?

When your loved one is arrested for a DUI, the first moments can be confusing and emotionally charged. They may be scared, embarrassed, or unsure of what to do. Remind your loved one to:

Be polite and cooperative with law enforcement
Exercise their right to remain silent
Ask for an attorney before answering any questions
Decline any field sobriety tests
Request a breathalyzer or blood test be taken at the station

Stay calm, avoid judgment and frustration in these moments. What your loved one needs most right now is reassurance that they’re not facing this alone and they’re taking proactive steps for their future.

Qué hacer Within 24 Hours After a DUI

La timeline for DUI cases may be lengthy, but the first day after a DUI arrest is critical. Even though Penalidades por DUI are well defined, swift action can help preserve your loved one’s rights and lay the groundwork for a better outcome. Key steps you can take include:

Contact a DUI Attorney On Their Behalf – Don’t wait. Call and Request a Free Consult. The sooner you secure experienced legal representation, the better. A lawyer can advise your loved one before any further questioning and begin protecting their best interests right away.
Find Out Where They’re Being Held and for How Long – In Washington, DUI arrests typically result in temporary detention at a city or county jail. You can contact the local police department or sheriff’s office directly or use an online inmate locator if available. Ask for basic information like their booking number, expected release time, and whether they’re being held on bail. If you’re unsure which law enforcement agency was involved, check with the county jail in the area where the arrest occurred for accurate and quick details.
Help Get Their Car Back – If your loved one’s car was towed or impounded at the time of their arrest, retrieving it quickly can prevent additional fees and complications from adding up. The arresting officer should have issued paperwork with the name of the towing company or impound lot. If not, you can call the local police department to find out where the vehicle was taken. You’ll typically need to provide proof of ownership (such as the vehicle registration), a photo ID, and payment for any towing and storage fees. If you’re not the owner of the vehicle, you may also need a signed release or authorization from your loved one. Getting their car back can make the situation feel a little more manageable.
Handle Short-Term Logistics – A DUI arrest can disrupt daily life, so thinking through short-term needs early on can reduce stress for everyone involved. If your loved one relies on their car to get to work, school, or care for children, they may need help arranging transportation until their driving privileges are sorted out. This might involve coordinating rides, helping them notify their employer (if appropriate), or temporarily stepping in to manage responsibilities like school pickups or bill payments.
Secure Release or Bail if Needed – Not everyone arrested for a DUI in Washington is held on bail, but in some cases – particularly if there are prior offenses, aggravating factors, or a refusal to comply with testing after an arrest – bail may be required. If bail has been set, you can post it directly at the jail or courthouse, or work with a licensed bail bond agency. Bail bond companies typically charge a non-refundable fee (usually around 10% of the total bail amount) in exchange for posting the full bond. Securing your loved one’s release not only allows them to return home, but also gives them the chance to begin working with an attorney and preparing for what’s ahead from a more stable place.

Other Important Information:

12+ Hours in Custody – If your loved one has been in custody for over 12 hours and you’re working on getting them bail, consider leaving them in custody for a full 24 hours before posting bail. This will allow your loved one to have a 1-day credit served, which only applies if they stayed a full 24 hours in custody from the time of their booking. As a potential benefit, if your loved one completes this 1-day credit, it can save them from going back to jail for a day at the resolution of their case.
Arrest With Prior Offenses – If your loved one has a prior offense within 10 years or another DUI charge pending against them at the time of their arrest, they will be placed on a no-bail hold until they can go in front of a judge to petition for release.

How to Help with DUI Within 7 Days and Beyond

Being proactive in the days and weeks after an arrest can give your loved ones the best possible chance at navigating what comes next with stability and confidence.

Request a Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearing ASAP – In Washington, your loved one has just 7 days from the date of their arrest to request a hearing with the DOL to challenge the automatic suspension of their driver’s license. Missing this deadline can result in an automatic loss of their driving privileges, even before their court date.
Gather Key Evidence – Help your loved one write down everything they remember about their arrest: where they were, what they were doing, what the officer said, and how any field sobriety or chemical tests were conducted. You’ll never know which details will be important, and these notes can be valuable when building a defense.
Plan Logistically and Emotionally for the Long Term – DUI charges can affect work, transportation, and mental health. Start thinking through short-term logistics (such as rides to work or court) and encourage your loved one to talk to a counselor, support group, or substance treatment program if they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Prepare for Court – Helping your loved one get ready for their first court appearance is one of the most supportive things you can do in the early stages of their case. Encourage them to show up on time, dress appropriately (business casual is a good standard) and be respectful of the court. You can assist by keeping track of court dates, helping organize paperwork, or even attending hearings with them for emotional support.

The need for support doesn’t stop after your loved one’s arrest – it’s just as important in the days and weeks that follow. With steady encouragement and practical help, you can empower your loved one to face what’s ahead with confidence and accountability.

How Can You Provide Emotional Support After a DUI?

A DUI charge may bring up feelings of shame, fear, or guilt. Your loved one may feel like they’ve let people down – or they may try to act like everything’s fine while silently struggling. Your support can make a big difference in how they handle the emotional toll.

Be Present Without Judgment – Let your loved one know that you’re there for them, even if you don’t have all the answers. Avoid criticism or shame – your role isn’t to punish them but to help them move forward in a positive way.
Encourage Accountability, Not Isolation – Supporting someone doesn’t mean excusing their behavior. Encouraging accountability while remaining compassionate helps your loved one take responsibility without feeling alone.
Watch for Signs of Deeper Struggles – DUI charges can sometimes be a sign of underlying issues with alcohol, drugs, or mental health. If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or substance use problems, gently suggest that they seek professional support.
Take Care of Yourself, Too – Supporting someone through a DUI can be emotionally draining. It’s okay to feel stressed or overwhelmed – consider speaking with a counselor or support group for people affected by their loved one’s substance-related legal issues.

What Strategies Can Help Prevent Future DUI Incidents?

After a DUI arrest, one of the most meaningful steps your loved one can take is to prevent another DUI from ever happening again. Beyond satisfying the court, making significant changes can protect your loved one’s safety along with everyone else on the road, preserve their career and reputation, and rebuild trust with family, employers, and their community.

Commit to Treatment and Sobriety Support – If alcohol or substance use contributed to your loved one’s DUI, ongoing support is key. Counseling, support groups like AA or SMART Recovery, and regular check-ins with a therapist can reinforce healthier habits.
Plan Ahead Before Drinking – Encourage your loved one to use a designated driver, rideshare app, or public transportation if they plan to drink. Ideally, they should have a plan in place before the night even begins.
Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) – In many DUI cases, Washington requires the use of an IID to continue driving. While this may seem like a hassle, it’s also an effective reminder and safeguard against repeat offenses.
Build a Supportive Environment – Sometimes change in social habits, routines, or peer groups is necessary. Surrounding themselves with people who support accountability and responsible behavior can make a big difference.
Reflect on the Impact – Encourage your loved one to think deeply about what the DUI cost them – emotionally, financially, and relationally. This kind of self-reflection can be a powerful motivator to make long-term changes.

What Rehabilitation Programs and Resources Are Available in Washington?

Washington State offers a range of rehabilitation programs that can help your loved one address underlying issues, satisfy court orders, and demonstrate a commitment to positive change.

Alcohol or Drug Evaluation and Treatment – Courts often require a substance use evaluation after a DUI. Based on the results, your loved one may be referred to outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), or group therapy.
State-Certified DUI Education Programs – Programs like Alcohol Drug Information School (ADIS) o Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) are often mandatory in DUI cases. These are available through licensed providers across the state.
Self-Initiated Treatment – Voluntarily starting treatment, even before a court requires it, can show responsibility and may be viewed favorably by prosecutors and judges. Programs such as AA, SMART Recovery, or private counseling can be helpful.
Local and Online Resources – Many organizations offer support for those facing DUI charges. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has resources for treatment providers and financial assistance. The Washington Recovery Help Line has 24/7 confidential support at 1-866-789-1511. There are also many online DUI education programs approved by Washington courts for those who prefer or need virtual options. Your loved one’s attorney can help them find these resources.

Helping your loved one connect to these resources not only helps them meet legal obligation, but it also gives them tools to make lasting changes for a safer future.

A DUI arrest can shake your loved one’s life to its core, but it doesn’t have to define their future. The steps you take in the hours, days, and months after the incident matter. From understanding the legal process to finding the right representation and resources, your involvement and support can help protect your loved one’s rights and give them a brighter path forward. Helping someone rebuild after a DUI isn’t just about navigating the legal system – it’s also about giving them the tools and encouragement to make better choices moving forward.

At Garguile Law, we’re committed to helping people across Washington navigate DUI charges with the confidence and clarity that they deserve. If someone you care about is facing this challenge, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to help guide the way.