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Washington DUI/DWI Penalties

Call Our Snohomish County DUI Defense Lawyer

The State of Washington's DUI laws are very strict, even for a 1st offense conviction. You are facing jail time or home monitoring (house arrest) for any drunk driving conviction. Multiple offenses face stiff minimum mandatory jail sentences. According to Washington State DUI laws, a DUI/drunk driving/DWI charge is considered a Gross Misdemeanor.

First DUI Penalties

For a First (1st) offense DUI conviction, you face the following penalties if convicted:

  • Maximum sentence of 365 days (1 year) in jail
  • Maximum $5,000 fine
  • There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 full days (24 hours) in jail or 15 days of electronic home monitoring.
  • If you blew a 0.15 BAC or above, or you refused the breath test, the mandatory minimum jumps to 48 hours in jail or 30 days of electronic home monitoring, just on a 1st offense.
  • A license suspension of 90 days, minimum.
  • If you blew a 0.15 BAC or above, or you refused the breath test, the license suspension period ranges from 1 to 2 years.
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement, to be used for 1 year.
  • There is a 5-year probation associated with any DUI conviction. Probation typically includes "standard" DUI conditions. See my WA DUI probation page for further info.

Second DUI Penalties

For a Second (2nd) Offense DUI conviction, the penalties are:

  • Maximum sentence of 1 year in jail
  • Maximum $5,000 fine
  • There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail or 60 days of electronic home monitoring.
  • If you blew a 0.15 BAC or above, or you refused the breath test, the mandatory minimum jumps to 45 days in jail or 90 days of electronic home monitoring.
  • A license suspension of 2 years, minimum.
  • If you blew a 0.15 BAC or above, or you refused the breath test, the license suspension period ranges from 900 days to 3 years.
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement.
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement, to be used for 5 years (if previously restricted).
  • A 5-year probation with standard DUI conditions. See my WA DUI probation page for further info.

Third DUI Penalties

For a Third (3rd) Offense DUI conviction, the penalties are:

  • Maximum sentence of 1 year in jail
  • Maximum $5,000 fine
  • There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail or 120 days of electronic home monitoring.
  • If you blew a 0.15 BAC or above, or you refused the breath test, the mandatory minimum jumps to 120 days in jail or 150 days of electronic home monitoring.
  • A license suspension of 3 years. It is a 4-year license suspension for BT refusal or a result of .15 BAC or higher.
  • If you blew a 0.15 BAC or above, or you refused the breath test, the license suspension period ranges from 900 days to 3 years.
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement.
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement, to be used for 10 years (If previously restricted).
  • A 5-year probation with standard DUI conditions. See my WA DUI probation page for further info.

Effective Defense for DUI Charges in Bothell, WA

A DUI in Washington State is serious, ensure you understand all your options. Please call me at (425) 422-5818 to consult about the specifics of your case, and how the Washington State DUI laws may apply to you. Whether you're prepared to fight the case at trial, or you think you want to settle the case and try to get the best possible deal, I'll discuss all your options. And remember, I'll consult with you and give you the benefit of my experience and thoughts on your case in a free in-office consultation, with no further obligation if you chose not to hire me.

Contact Us Today!

Make sure your rights are protected and that you get treated fairly by hiring a qualified attorney with experience handling DUI cases in Washington State. I help DUI defendants protect their rights and ensure fair treatment. The legal system is tricky, but with my guidance, you will understand the full implications of your situation and identify the steps you will need to take next.

Contact Number

(425) 422-5818

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