First Offense DUI in Washington

Defendants arrested for a first offense DUI in Washington are subject to both pending criminal and administrative licensing penalties. The state of Washington employs a tiered system for sentencing regarding DUI cases, with offenders possessing a BAC at or above .15 facing harsher penalties than those with a BAC of .08 to .149. Likewise, violations such as refusals to submit or associated criminal charges related to a given DUI arrest may incur additional administrative or criminal penalties. To determine the specific possible penalties faced in your case, consulting with a Washington DUI lawyer is advisable.

Administrative Penalties

• Upon arrest, drivers facing first offense DUI charges face mandatory license suspension of at least ninety (90) days. If BAC in excess of .15, drivers face license suspension of up to one (1) year, unless otherwise successfully contested at the administrative hearing

• Attempts to reinstate may require use of ignition interlock device, pending the case-specific nature of the court’s sentencing in first offense cases

• Likewise, attempts to reinstate following suspension require SR-22 insurance coverage in Washington

Criminal Penalties

• First offense convictions carry mandatory incarceration of one (1) day; two (2) days for offenders with BAC in excess of .15%. Maximum incarceration in either case cannot exceed one (1) year.

• State of Washington may employ a form of community control, known as electronic home monitoring, in lieu of mandatory incarceration for a period of fifteen (15) days or thirty (30) days, depending on BAC of driver.

• Alcohol assessment or substance abuse treatment possible, but not required in every case

• Fines at a minimum of $865.50 to maximum of $5,000 for offenders with BAC below .15%. Offenders with BAC above .15% face fines of at least $1,120.50, but not more than $5,000. Fines do not include costs related to completion of sentence or reinstatement of license

Getting Legal Help

For more information and insight into your legal rights and options in your first DUI in Washington, including your options for negotiating a favorable plea agreement or outright dismissal of the charges, consult with a Washington DUI lawyer to learn more.