Top DUI Lawyers in Washington

In Washington State, the penalties for DUI depend upon several factors. These factors include the driver’s prior DUI history within a seven-year period, the level of alcohol or substance impairment, and whether the offense resulted in injury or death.

DUI penalties in Washington State escalate with each offense and are further aggravated by specific conditions such as high BAC levels or causing injury. The law mandates jail time, fines, and license suspension for each offense level, making the implications of multiple DUIs particularly severe.

Here’s a more detailed look at DUI penalties in the State of Washington:

First DUI in Washington

1. Jail Time: A mandatory minimum of 24 hours and up to one year.
2. Fines: Between $990 and $5,000.
3. License Suspension: 90 days to one year, depending on the circumstances of the arrest.
4. Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory IID installation in your vehicle for at least one year.

Second DUI in Washington

If the second DUI offense occurs within seven years of the first:

1. Jail Time: A minimum of 30 days in jail and 60 days of electronic home monitoring.
2. Fines: Between $1,245 and $5,000.
3. License Suspension: Two years minimum.
4. IID: Mandatory for at least five years after the license is reinstated.

Third DUI in Washington

For a third DUI offense within seven years:

1. Jail Time: Minimum of 90 days in jail and an additional 120 days of electronic home monitoring.
2. Fines: Between $1,945 and $5,000.
3. License Suspension: Three years to permanent revocation.
4. IID: Mandatory for at least ten years after the license is reinstated.

Fourth DUI in Washington

A fourth DUI offense within ten years is classified as a Class C felony. This significantly heightens the penalties:

1. Jail Time: Ranges from one to five years of imprisonment.
2. Fines: Up to $10,000.
3. License Revocation: Permanent revocation is possible.
4. IID: At the discretion of the court upon reinstatement.

Additional Penalties

It’s important to note that other factors can aggravate these penalties:

1. High BAC: A BAC of 0.15% or higher significantly increases both jail time and fines for each offense level.
2. Minor in the Vehicle: The presence of a passenger under the age of 16 adds extra jail time and fines.
3. Refusal to Submit to Testing: Refusing to take a breath or blood test can result in an automatic license suspension for at least one year and installation of an IID for at least one year after reinstatement.
4. Causing Injury or Death: DUI offenses that cause injury or death are likely to result in felony charges, carrying more severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.

It is important to note that these penalties are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Additionally, DUI convictions can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life, including difficulty finding employment and increased insurance premiums. This is just another reason to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Washington State.