What is Deferred Prosecution?
If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Washington state, the penalties you face are severe and far-reaching. Deferred prosecution is one option that may be available to avoid a DUI conviction on your record and some of the harshest consequences. Essentially, completing an approved alcohol or drug treatment program and five years of probation may enable you to get the charge dismissed.
I am Daniel B. Polage, a criminal and traffic defense attorney who has successfully petitioned for deferred prosecution on behalf of numerous clients in central and eastern Washington. Whether this is the right path for you will depend on many factors. You can count on me to assess your eligibility for deferred prosecution and help you weigh this choice against all other alternatives.
Completing treatment and probation may enable you to avoid a DUI conviction
A person can obtain deferred prosecution only once in his or her lifetime. The requirements and conditions for completing the program are extensive — and any violation can lead to conviction without a trial. However, this is often the best choice available for people who can sincerely commit to treatment and sobriety over a five-year period. I am here to help you by:
- Assessing the strength of the prosecution’s case against you and all viable defense strategies
- Evaluating whether negotiation with the prosecutor in your specific case and jurisdiction may enable a plea to a reduced charge
- Thoroughly and patiently discussing all steps and costs required to complete a deferred prosecution, as well as the very serious consequences of failing to do so
- Offering clear, practical guidance based on my knowledge of your personal life situation, goals and priorities — as well as my years of experience as a prosecutor and defense lawyer in Washington courts
For your free initial consultation, call 509-654-9190
This is a pivotal time in your life — or in your son’s or daughter’s life if you are the concerned parent of a child with legal troubles. I am dedicated to helping clients make the best possible decisions for their futures, which often involves getting the counseling and treatment they need to get back on track. If you have questions about what deferred prosecution is and how it works, or any other issue associated with DUI or another traffic offense, contact me at dp LAW in Yakima.