Is a DUI a Criminal Offense in Washington

Driving under the influence is a criminal offense in Washington State. It is often treated as a misdemeanor, but there are times when it’s punishable as a felony. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, get legal help right away.

Speak with a Seattle DUI lawyer, and they can review your legal options with you.

A DUI Can Be a Misdemeanor Criminal Offense in Washington State

The first time you are arrested for driving under the influence, your DUI is considered to be a criminal offense in Washington. As long as no aggravating factors were involved, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor DUI penalties can include:

• Up to one year in jail
• A fine of up to $5,000
• Suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car for one year

At Puget Law Group, we care about you and your driving under the influence case. Our team has more than 150 years of combined experience and can use what we know to help you avoid the criminal penalties that come with a misdemeanor DUI conviction. To learn more, request a free case consultation with a Seattle criminal defense lawyer.

Depending on the Circumstances, a DUI Can Be a Felony Criminal Offense in Washington

Your DUI can be a criminal offense in Washington that’s treated as a felony. This is the case if this marks at least the fourth time that you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence in the past 10 years, have a previous conviction for an alcohol-related vehicular assault or homicide, or your DUI results in serious bodily harm or death.

The criminal penalties that come with a felony DUI conviction are more severe than those of a misdemeanor. If convicted, you may have to spend years in prison and pay thousands of dollars in fines. Also, you may be subject to a driver’s license suspension of up to four years and be required to place an IID in your car for up to 10 years.

You have the right to ask for legal help as you deal with a felony DUI charge. Meet with a DUI attorney who has a track record of success. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and look for ways to get your desired DUI case results. As part of your attorney’s efforts, they may craft a legal strategy to defend you against a conviction that can otherwise stay with you for life.

A DUI Is a Washington Criminal Offense That Can Keep You from Enjoying Your Life the Way You Did Previously

You know that driving under the influence is a criminal offense in Washington. Regardless, it can be tough to account for the collateral consequences that come with a DUI conviction. These consequences can hamper you in many ways, including:

• Causing you to lose your professional license
• Forcing you to lose your job or hurting your chances of landing the role you want
• Keeping you from traveling outside of the United States
• Damaging your relationships with family and friends

It is incredibly difficult to get a DUI dismissed in Washington State. Yet, if you don’t do anything to contest your DUI charge, you may have to deal with significant collateral consequences and harsh criminal penalties. Have a criminal defense attorney examine your DUI case. From here, your lawyer may find ways to disprove the prosecution’s argument so you don’t get convicted.

A DUI Represents a Criminal Offense in Washington with Escalating Penalties

The second or third time that you’re convicted of driving under the influence may be very different from your initial conviction. Ultimately, a DUI is a Washington State criminal offense with penalties that increase each time someone is convicted.

For example, the minimum mandatory jail sentence for a first-time DUI conviction is typically 24 hours. The second time someone is convicted of a DUI in the last seven years, they may be subject to a minimum mandatory jail sentence of 30 days. For a third DUI conviction in the past seven years, this individual may have to spend a minimum of 90 days in jail.

Every time you are convicted of a DUI, it becomes more challenging to dispute the prosecution. The court will consider past convictions as it determines how to punish you. Along with this, your lawyer may struggle to negotiate a plea deal, since the prosecution may be unwilling to offer such a proposal if you’ve been convicted of breaking the law multiple times.

A DUI Is a Crime in Washington, But You Can Fight Back Against Your Driving Under the Influence Charge

Just because a DUI is classified as a criminal offense in Washington doesn’t mean that you should give up if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence. The criminal justice system gives you the opportunity to present your case in court. Exercise this right by partnering with criminal defense lawyers who will handle your case with care.

Your DUI attorney can answer questions about how long a DUI can stay on your record and other topics relating to your case. They can advise you on the steps to take to boost your chances of getting the court to rule in your favor. Plus, your lawyer can prepare your case for trial. They can make sure that you enter the courtroom feeling confident about your case.

If you are dealing with a first DUI charge, your attorney may negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. For instance, your lawyer could obtain a plea agreement in which you accept deferred prosecution. With this, you may plead guilty to a DUI and complete a substance abuse program. If you finish this program, the case against you may be dismissed.

Receive Legal Guidance After a DUI Arrest 24/7

The team at Puget Law Group can give you insights into whether a DUI is deemed to be a criminal offense in Washington and how a driving under the influence conviction can affect you. We can provide you with legal services and support in the aftermath of your DUI arrest. Contact us today.