DUI Law in Washington
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next.
Washington enforces strict DUI laws to protect its roadways, with serious penalties for even first-time offenses. These include significant fines, mandatory license suspension, potential jail time, and required attendance in alcohol education programs.
This guide explains the penalties for DUI convictions in Washington and provides actionable steps to help you navigate the legal process and move forward with confidence.
Possible Consequences of a Washington DUI Conviction
Washington’s DUI penalties depend on a variety of factors, including your BAC at the time of arrest, prior convictions, and any aggravating circumstances such as causing an accident or endangering others. Washington’s legal BAC limit is 0.08% for adults, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for minors under its zero-tolerance policy.
Paying Fines
Financial penalties are a central consequence in Washington. For a first offense, fines range from $350 to $5,000, depending on BAC levels and other circumstances. Repeat offenses carry fines of up to $10,000. These amounts don’t include additional costs such as court fees, alcohol program expenses, and license reinstatement charges.
If property damage or injuries occurred, restitution payments may also be required to cover the victim’s losses, significantly increasing your overall financial burden.
Jail Time
Washington imposes mandatory jail time for DUI convictions, even for first offenders. A first DUI can result in a sentence of 1 to 364 days, with a mandatory minimum of 24 hours for BAC levels below 0.15%. If your BAC exceeds 0.15%, the minimum increases to 48 hours. For a second DUI, expect at least 30 days, and for third offenses, sentences can reach up to a year.
The maximum sentence for Washington misdemeanors is 1 year. However, fourth DUIs and above are classified as felonies, resulting in jail time ranging from 13 months to 5 years.
Probation
Probation is often part of DUI sentencing under the Revised Code of Washington. First-time offenders may receive probation lasting 1 to 2 years, while repeat offenders can face extended probation terms of up to 5 years. Conditions typically include attending DUI education programs, abstaining from alcohol, and regularly reporting to a probation officer.
Violations of probation, such as failing to meet with your officer or committing additional offenses, can lead to harsher penalties, including jail time.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Washington mandates DUI offenders to complete an alcohol and drug education program. These courses aim to educate participants on the dangers of impaired driving and typically last 8 to 16 hours. Costs for these programs range from $150 to $500, depending on the provider.
Repeat offenders may also need to complete a more intensive treatment program or undergo a chemical dependency evaluation. Successful completion of these programs is often required to restore driving privileges.
Suspension or Loss of License
License suspension is one of the most immediate penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington. A first offense results in a suspension lasting 90 days to 1 year, while a second offense can lead to a 2-year suspension. For a third offense, expect a suspension of up to 4 years.
To reinstate your license, you must complete all court-ordered programs, pay reinstatement fees, and install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. The IID requires a clean breath sample before the car starts, ensuring that you remain sober while driving.
What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Washington?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Washington DUI Law
After a DUI arrest, hiring an attorney with experience in Washington DUI law should be your first step. A skilled lawyer can evaluate the evidence against you, identify possible defenses, and guide you through the legal process.
Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws
Washington’s DUI laws are strict, but they also offer opportunities for reduced penalties, plea bargains, or alternative sentencing. Your attorney can help you understand these laws and how they apply to your case.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
You have 7 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Washington Department of Licensing to contest your license suspension. Missing this deadline will result in an automatic suspension.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
Your attorney will work with you to prepare for your court appearance, whether you intend to plead guilty or contest the charges. Building a strong defense involves analyzing the evidence, identifying errors in the arrest process, and advocating for reduced penalties.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
If convicted, fulfilling all court-ordered obligations—such as paying fines, attending programs, and complying with probation—is critical. Timely compliance will help you avoid additional penalties and begin rebuilding your life.
Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Washington
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Washington lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you in Washington today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Washington state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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