DUI penalties in Washington vary based on the charge and severity.
The penalties for drunk driving depend largely on your alleged blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the number of previous DUI convictions you have had in recent years.
The following information details what you could be charged with if convicted of drunk driving. However, these numbers are not set in stone. We can help you fight to reduce your charges or dismiss them altogether.
How can we help you fight a DUI charge?
The following are the possible penalties for a DUI conviction under Washington’s DUI law, RCW 46.61.5055. The minimum sentences (such as one-day imprisonment and $350 for a first offense DUI) are generally mandatory — if you are charged with the crime, the judge must sentence you to at least those amounts. That is one of the many reasons why our lawyers work so hard to reduce your charges.
Top-rated defense in the courtroom that you can trust.
First Offense DUI
BAC less than .15: From one day to one-year imprisonment and up to a $5000 fine plus fees and costs. 5 years of probation, alcohol treatment, victims impact panel, and ignition interlock.
BAC of .15 or greater: From two days to one-year imprisonment and up to a $5000 fine plus fees and costs. 5 years of probation, alcohol treatment, victims impact panel, and ignition interlock.
Second Offense DUI in Seven Years
BAC less than .15: From 30 days to one-year imprisonment, plus 60 days of electronic home monitoring, and up to a $5000 fine plus fees and costs. 5 years of probation, alcohol treatment, victims impact panel, and ignition interlock.
BAC of .15 or greater: From 45 days to one-year imprisonment, plus 90 days of electronic home monitoring, and up to a $5000 fine plus fees and costs. 5 years of probation, alcohol treatment, victims impact panel, and ignition interlock.
Third Offense DUI in Seven Years
BAC less than .15: From 90 days to one-year imprisonment, plus 120 days of electronic home monitoring, and fup to a $5000 fine plus fees and costs. 5 years of probation, alcohol treatment, victims impact panel, and ignition interlock.
BAC of .15 or greater: From 120 days to one-year imprisonment, plus 150 days of electronic home monitoring, and up to a $5000 fine plus fees and costs. 5 years of probation, alcohol treatment, victims impact panel, and ignition interlock.
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What are the punishments for a felony DUI?
Felony DUI is a class C felony with substantially higher penalties, including more time in prison, greater fines and required installation of an ignition interlock device. Prosecutors can charge a defendant with felony DUI when they have had four or more prior DUI offenses within 10 years or they were previously convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unlike with other DUI charges, when a person is charged with felony DUI, he or she is usually not eligible for alternative sentencing programs.
How can we help you fight a DUI charge?
Our lead criminal defense attorneys have served as Vancouver and Clark County prosecutors. We know what the prosecution has to prove to convict you of your DUI charges and they know that we will force them to prove every element if we go to court. We are solid negotiators who work as a team, striving to keep you out of jail, help you avoid fines and keep your record clean.
