DUI Reference Guide

Washington DUI Law

Washington State is well known for enforcing severe penalties on those individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.  DUI law in the state of Washington involves three different charges.  A driver is considered to be guilty of DUI if driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs and has a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving.

A driver who has physical control of a motor vehicle (even if the vehicle is stopped) and has a BAC level of 0.08 or higher is considered to be guilty of driving under the influence.  Any driver under the age of 21 who has a BAC level of 0.02 or higher within two hours of operating a motor vehicle or being in physical control of a motor vehicle is considered to be guilty of the charge of DUI.

In Washington state, the penalty for a first DUI arrest is a minimum one day in jail to a maximum of one year or 15 days Electronic Home Detention.  Fines for a first offense can range from $823 – $5,000.  In addition, a person’s driver’s license may be suspended for 90 days.  The court may order ignition interlock for up to five years, in addition to alcohol evaluation and treatment.  

The penalty for one prior DUI offense in the last seven years and breath test under .15% may be a minimum of 30 days in jail or one year maximum, along with 60 days Electronic Home Detention.  License can be revoked for two years, and alcohol evaluation and treatment may be ordered for a period of time determined by the court. 

Individuals convicted of one prior DUI offense in the last seven years with a breath test .15% or higher can be sentenced to 45 days in jail minimum, one year maximum, in addition to 90 days Electronic Home Detention.  License may be revoked for 900 days.  The court may order alcohol evaluation and treatment and up to five years monitored probation.

The penalties become more serious for those drivers convicted of two prior DUI offenses in the last seven years.  A driver with a breath test under .15% could be sentenced to a minimum 90 days in jail and license revoked for three years.  Fines can range from $1,928 total minimum, up to $5,000.  The court may order ignition interlock for one year if no previous interlock.  If a driver has had a previous interlock, five years may be ordered, and ten years for drivers who have had two previous interlocks.

Individuals who have had two previous DUI offenses in the last seven years, and breath test .15% or higher can be sentenced to 120 days in jail minimum, one year maximum, plus 150 days Electronic Home Detention.  Drivers may receive four-year license revocation and five years probationary license.  Fines can range from $2,778 minimum – $5,000 maximum fine. 

Any driver who refuses to take a breath test can have his or her license revoked for one year if no prior administrative actions within the last seven years.  A license can be revoked for two years if a driver refuses the breath test for second time or tests over the legal limit within seven years.

Serious consequences face anyone who has been arrested for a DUI.  If convicted a person can find themselves with lengthy license suspensions, fines, jail time and other punishments.  Those who have several DUI convictions will face even more severe punishments for their DUI offenses. 

Those arrested for DUI face severe consequences if they are found guilty of DUI during their court case.  Penalties can vary depending upon the number of offenses and other relevant factors.  After a DUI arrest, an individual should contact an attorney in their area.  It is best to find a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases.  Lawyers who do not specialize in this area might not be as well informed about the laws and therefore might not be able to make the best case for their client.  In order to find a lawyer, a person can check the yellow pages of their local telephone directory.  They can also search for a lawyer using online directories that allow visitors to search for lawyers in their area.