Washington DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionWashington drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving  have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Washington Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Washington:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Washington Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested for drunk driving in the State of Washington you will serve a minimum of 24 hours in jail or up to 1 year. The court may allow a minimum 15 day home electronic monitoring program in lieu of jail time paid for at the convicted drivers expense. You will also be fined no less than $350 or up to $5,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of 90 days and you may receive a restricted license after 30 days if the court allows. You may be ordered to install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are arrested for a DUI in Washington State you will serve a minimum of 30 days or up to 1 year in jail and 60 days of electronic home monitoring. You will also be fined a minimum of $500 or up to $5,000. If your second drunk driving conviction was within 7 years of the previous conviction your drivers license will be revoked for a period of 2 years. You may be ordered to install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd time you are convicted of drunk driving in the State of Washington you will spend a minimum of 90 days in jail or up to 1 1/2 years of electronic home monitoring at the convicted drivers expense. You will also be fined a minimum of $1,000 or up to $5,000 and your drivers license will be suspended for 3 years. You may be ordered to install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense.
Washington Drivers License Issues
The implied consent law in the State of Washington means that when you operate a motor vehicle in the State of Washington you agree to submit to a chemical test of your blood breath or urine if an officer of the law suspects that you are driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance. If you refuse to submit to such a test you will have your drivers license suspended for a minimum of 1 year for the first refusal. Subsequent refusals carry penalties and fines similar or greater than a DUI conviction.
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has some very strenuous drunk driving laws. A DUI can cost you your drivers license, it caries heavy fines and penalties, and can even put you in jail. Follow the link to find out more information:
