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Penalties for DUI in Washington

On Behalf of | Nov 12, 2020 | Drunk Driving |

Law enforcement officers in Washington can arrest you for obvious impairment behind the wheel or blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. For a conviction, you can receive expensive fines, license suspension and other legal consequences.

Review the possible penalties for a conviction of driving under the influence in Washington state.

First-time DUI

This charge applies if you have no history of DUI in the past seven years. A conviction can result in:

  • $550 to $5,200 in fines
  • Either one to 364 days in jail, 15 days of house arrest or 90 days in full-time substance use disorder treatment depending on the results of an evaluation
  • License suspension for 90 days
  • 12-month ignition interlock device requirement

If you refuse to take a breath test at the scene or had a BAC of 0.15% or higher at the time of arrest, minimum fines start at $750 and license suspension extends to 12 months. The judge may also extend the jail, treatment or house arrest sentence.

Second-time DUI

A subsequent DUI in a seven-year period results in increased penalties for a conviction, including:

  • $700 to $5,200 in fines
  • Either 45 to 364 days in jail, 60 days of house arrest or six months in full-time substance use disorder treatment
  • License suspension for two years
  • Five-year ignition interlock device requirement

Additional penalties also apply for a second DUI involving an elevated BAC, breath test refusal or underage passenger. If you have a commercial driver’s license, it may be subject to cancellation after the first DUI offense.

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