WASHINGTON DUI

Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Washington:

• Standard BAC: .08% or above
• Zero Tolerance BAC: .02% or above
• Commercial Drivers: .04% or above
• High BAC: .15% or above

Implied Consent and Chemical Test Refusal: Washington State's Implied Consent Law conditions your driving privileges in the state on your implicit consent to a blood, urine, or breath test to ascertain your BAC, if the officer has a reasonable belief that you are driving with an unacceptable amount of alcohol in your system. Not submitting to the test results in the one year suspension of your driver's license, at minimum.

Defending yourself against a DUI charge in Washington State can be an incredibly stressful and challenging process. In order to make your situation a bit easier, you should find a Washington DUI attorney to represent you.

DUI Arrest - Civil Case

Potential Penalties:

• License Suspension:
• First DUI Conviction: 90 days, or 1 year if your BAC was .15% or more. You may also have to complete an alcohol education program.
• Second DUI Conviction: 2 years, or 900 days if your BAC was .15% or over. Expect to attend an alcohol education program as well.

• Monetary Fines:
• First DUI Conviction: Minimum of $865.50; maximum of $5,000.
• Second DUI Conviction: $1,120 to $5,000. However, if your BAC was .15% or above, from $1,545.50 to $5,000.

• Community Service: If the court decides it is necessary.

• Probation: Yes. The court may order up to 5 years of monitored probation after your first DUI.

• Motor Vehicle Impoundment: No.

• Ignition Interlock: You must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle after your first drunk driving offense for the amount of time the court decides. If you had someone under age 16 in the car with you at the time of your arrest, you must maintain the installation for at least 60 days.

• Prison Time:
• First DUI: 24 hours to 1 year, or 2 days to 1 year if your BAC is .15% or higher.
• Second DUI: 30 days to 1 year; but, if you BAC was .15% or above, you may serve time in jail for between 45 days and 1 year.

Potential Criminal Consequences of DUI: In Washington, you may be criminally charged for your first DUI. A first time DUI offense, and a second DUI offense are gross misdemeanors. Call a Washington State defense lawyer if you find yourself criminally charged for a DUI.

Reinstating Your License After DUI Conviction: When you are able to reinstate your driver's license you must have a SR-22 proof of financial responsibility on file with the Washington State Department of Licensing. Also, pay a $75 license reissue fee.

Effect of DUI on Car Insurance: It may be difficult for you to find affordable liability insurance after you have been convicted of a DUI in Washington. However, you are required to have an insurance company file a SR-22 endorsement of insurance for 36 consecutive months after your license has been reinstated.

Effect of DUI on Driving Record: Your Washington DUI will be present on your driving record for 15 years.

Under 21 and DUI: If you violate Washington's Zero Tolerance Law by driving with a BAC of .02% or higher when you are under 21-years-old, your license will be suspended for 90 days. You may also have to pay a fine or do community service. It is advisable to speak with a Washington criminal defense attorney about this matter.

Washington Resources

Washington State Department of Licensing
http://www.dol.wa.gov/

Washington State Department of Transportation
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/

Washington State DUI Statutes
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.502