Washington DUI State Law

Washington DUI laws are some of the strictest in the country. For example, if you are charged with DUI in Seattle, you will be in front of a judge within 48 hours. And, prosecutors often request additional bail for those facing DUI charges. Because of this, it is necessary to seek out the help of a Washington DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

Washington Blood Alcohol Concentration Laws

Yu may be charged with DUI in Washington if you fail field sobriety tests or have a noticeable poor driving pattern. A police officer can arrest you for suspicion of impairment if you show any signs of being impaired while driving.

In addition to this, if your blood alcohol concentration level is .08 percent or higher, you will be charged with a DUI. In addition, Washington has enhanced penalties. For a first offense, you will face 2 days in jail required or 30 days with an electronic home detection device, plus $1078 in fines, and lose your license for a full year.

Implied Consent in Washington

Like other states, Washington also has implied consent laws. This means that if you are driving on Washington roads and a police officer requests a chemical test, you are consenting to provide it. There is no right to call an attorney first. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, this warrants an automatic 1 year minimum suspension. More so, this refusal will be submitted as evidence for your trail.

1st DUI Offense

If this is your first conviction, you will likely face the following Washington DUI penalties:

• Minimum of 24 hours in jail, up to 1 year
• 12 days electronic monitoring may be an option for some
• Fines of no less than $350, up to $5000
• Driver's license suspension for at least 90 days, though a restricted license may be an option after 30 days
• Ignition interlock device may be required.
• Misdemeanor charge

2nd DUI Offense

Washington has a look back period of 7 years. If you have been convicted of a previous DUI charge in the last 7 years, this new charge is a second offense, punishable with these penalties:

• 30 days minimum up to 1 year in jail and 60 days of electronic home monitoring
• Minimum fine of $500 up to $5000
• Driver's license revoked for 2 years
• Ignition interlock device may be required, at your expense
• Charged with a misdemeanor

3rd DUI Offense

A third offense within 7 years will warrant these additional charges:

• 90 days in jail, 1 ½ years electronic home monitoring
• Fined minimum of $1000 up to $5000
• Driver's license suspension for 3 years
• Ignition interlock device may be required
• Misdemeanor charge

Hire a Washington DUI Lawyer

A Washington DUI lawyer is your best bet if you want to find your DUI charges. They are able to get these very harsh charges reduced and sometimes dropped. But, you need to work with them closely and quickly.

• If you have been charged with a DUI in Washington, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled DUI Attorney.

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Washington DUI Legal Web Resources