Washington has some very strong DUI laws that ensure that if you are found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that there are some very strict punishments. If you are pulled over for suspension of driving under the influence, you will be facing additional tests that will determine whether charges can be filed against you. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above will mean that you will be arrested and charged with DUI, which will set in motion a whole set of things. If you are a driver under the age of 21, your limit is set at .02 and if you are a commercial driver, your limit will be .04. By understanding the punishments, you will be able to determine if a drink is really worth it.
First DUI Offense
When you are convicted of DUI for the first time, you will find that you will be facing several different punishments and penalties. The first is that you will lose your license for at least 90 days. If you have a blood alcohol level of .15 or above, this minimum period will be 1 year. Reinstatement will dictate the use of an ignition interlock device for a specified period of time. As far as jail time, you will be looking at 24 hours in jail up to 1 year or you can be sentence to home confinement with electronic monitoring for a period of 15 days. If your blood alcohol level was .15 or above your minimum sentence will increase to at least 2 days or you will be sentenced to home confinement with electronic monitoring for 30 days. A fine of anywhere from $865.50 to $5,000 will be mandated as well.
Second DUI Offense
A second DUI offense within seven years will mean that you will lose your license for a minimum of 2 years. A blood alcohol level of .15 or above will increase that time period to 900 days. If you want to reduce that time period, you will have to apply for reinstatement and install an ignition interlock device to your vehicle. Jail time will range from 30 days to one year or you will be sentence to electronic home monitoring for a mandatory of 60 days. When you have a blood alcohol level of .15 or above, you will spend a minimum of 45 days in jail or be sentenced to electronic home monitoring for a period of 90 days. As far as fines you are looking at least $1120.50 fine up to $5000 and this may not include other court fees and costs that are associated with your sentencing.
Third DUI Offense
A third offense means that you will lose your license for at least 3 years and if you have a higher blood alcohol level, it will be increased to 4 years. License reinstatement will dictate the installation of an ignition interlock device and SR22 insurance, which will be your responsibility. You will be spending a minimum of 90 days in jail up to 1 year, but electronic home monitoring may be given in lieu of jail time. Fines will be from around $2000 up to $5000, depending upon your blood alcohol level. It is possible that alcohol or drug education or treatment will be mandated as well, depending upon your sentence.
When you are convicted of a DUI, you want to be sure that you get the legal help and representation that you need and deserve. A lawyer can give you the advice and information that you need to make it through the legal process and have your rights preserved and taken care of.