Washington DUI Penalties

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This page provides basic information about Washington DUI penalties if you are actually convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.  One of the way in which we successfully resolve many of our Washington drunk driving cases is by having the charges reduced or amended to a different driving crime, such as Negligent Driving or Reckless Driving.

If your original DUI charge is amended, then the mandatory minimum penalties detailed below do not apply.  But a conviction to an amended charge of Negligent Driving or Reckless Driving will count as a prior DUI conviction if you are arrested and charged with drunk driving again in Washington State within the next seven years.

Need help understanding drunk driving penalties in WA State? Talk to a Washington DUI lawyer today.

What kinds of penalties and consequences am I looking at if I am convicted of drunk driving in Washington State?

Mandatory Jail

A Washington DUI conviction will result in the imposition of a mandatory jail sentence.  The minimum mandatory jail sentence for a Washington DUI conviction is one day, or 24 consecutive hours.  If you were booked into jail the night of your arrest but were released the next day, you WiLL NOT be given credit for time served unless you were actually held for 24 consecutive hours.

Mandatory License Suspension

A Washington DUI conviction will result in a mandatory license suspension.

Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device Installation

A Washington DUI conviction will result in a mandatory Ignition Interlock Device installation.

Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Evaluation

A Washington DUI conviction will result in a mandatory drug and alcohol evaluation and a requirement that you follow all treatment recommendations.

Mandatory Attendance at a Victim Impact Panel

A Washington DUI conviction will result in mandatory attendance at a Victim Impact Panel.

Mandatory Fines, Costs, Assessments, and Probation Fees

A Washington DUI conviction will result in fines, costs, assessments, and probation fees ranging from a minimum of $850 up to $2,500.