In Washington, driving while intoxicated by alcohol and drugs is a serious criminal offense. A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction often results in severe consequences, including jail time, license suspensions, and fines.
If you are arrested on suspicion of DUI, the penalties can vary based on certain aggravating factors, such as the number of previous offenses. While a second or third conviction is more serious, a first-offense DUI can cost upwards of thousands of dollars.
H2: Washington State DUI Laws
Under Washington law, it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the police believe that you meet any of the following conditions, you could be arrested for a DUI.
- You have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
- You have a concentration of five nanograms or more of THC per milliliter of your blood. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
- You are impaired by alcohol or drugs to such an extent that your ability to drive a vehicle has significantly lessened.
Penalties for a First-Offense DUI
When convicting a person of DUI for the first time, Washington courts levy two types of penalties: administrative and criminal. Administrative penalties are imposed by the state’s Department of Licensing, while criminal penalties are imposed by the criminal court.
Typically, administrative penalties for a first-time DUI include a 90-day administrative license suspension and a required ignition interlock device installation for at least one year. Criminal penalties include fines, jail time, and mandatory treatment programs.
- At minimum, you will face one to 364 days in jail, 15 days of electronic home monitoring, or 90 days in a drug and alcohol treatment program. You may face fines of between $500 to $5,000.
- If you refused to take a chemical test at the scene or had a BAC of .15% or higher, you would face between two to 364 days in jail, at least 30 days of house arrest, or 120 days in a treatment program. You may need to pay between $750 to $5,000 in fines.
- If you had a passenger under the age of 16 in your vehicle at the time of the DUI, you will also face harsher penalties. You may need to spend an extra day in jail and pay fines from $1,000 to $5,000.
Additional Costs Associated with First-Time DUIs
A first-time DUI can easily cost thousands of dollars. In addition to the actual fines, you may also need to pay fees to the Department of Licensing, such as reinstatement fees, installation fees for the ignition interlock device, and monthly charges for the ignition interlock service.
Additionally, you may need to pay bail, attorney’s fees, and other costs associated with your arrest. You may also need to pay for substance abuse treatment programs, and your car insurance rates may increase after the DUI. These additional costs can have a significant impact on your finances.
Arrested on DUI Charges? Speak to a Defense Attorney
Facing a conviction for DUI can be a serious and overwhelming experience. In these situations, you need someone who can advocate for your rights and help you seek the best possible outcome. As soon as possible following your arrest, contact a Washington DUI defense attorney to discuss your legal options.