Washington DUI Penalties
Have you been accused of DUI /DWI?
If you were arrested for drinking and driving or driving while intoxicated, you risk many penalties such as fines, jail time and operator license suspension. At Parnell Defense, I vigorously defend accused people. I am an experienced DUI lawyer in Washington state. Contact me, “Shane,” for a FREE consultation.
The following is a summary of DUI penalties. Please note: A recent change in Washington law makes a fifth DUI in 10 years a class C Felony also known as a felony DUI. This change in law took effect on July 1, 2007.
| BAC UNDER .15 -OR- NO TEST | No Priors in 7 Years | 1 Prior in 7 Years | 2 or Three Priors in 7 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail Time | 1 day minimum 364 days maximum | 30 days minimum 364 days maximum | 90 days minimum 364 days maximum |
| Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) | Or 15 days of EHM in lieu of jail time | Jail time plus 60 days of EHM | Jail time plus 120 days of EHM |
| Fine | $350 minimum $5000 maximum | $500 minimum $5000 maximum | $1000 minimum $5000 maximum |
| Driver’s License Suspension | 90 days | 2 years | Three years |
| Ignition Interlock Device | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years |
| Alcohol/Drug Eval. Treatment | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Probation | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| BAC OF .15 OR HIGHER -OR- REFUSAL | No Priors in 7 Years | 1 Prior in 7 Years | 2 or Three Priors in 7 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail Time | 2 day minimum 364 days maximum | 45 days minimum 364 days maximum | 120 days minimum 364 days maximum |
| Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) | Or 30 days of EHM in lieu of jail time | Jail time plus 90 days of EHM | Jail time plus 150 days of EHM |
| Fine | $500 minimum $5000 maximum | $750 minimum $5000 maximum | $1500 minimum $5000 maximum |
| Driver’s License Suspension | 1 year for breath test 2 years for refusal | 900 days for breath test Three years for refusal | 4 years for breath test 4 years for refusal |
| Ignition Interlock Device | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years |
| Alcohol/Drug Eval. Treatment | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Probation | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
This chart was created using the sentencing laws in place at the time of publication. Since changes in the law occur frequently, please contact me to discuss your situation before relying on this chart for accuracy.
If you were in a drunk driving accident or car collision, you need a qualified DWI lawyer to protect your rights. I will use my experience as a DUI law attorney in Washington state to help you through the DUI process, vigorously defend your case and negotiate to reduce your charges.