Washington State DUI Penalties
Questions? Let us answer them.
Drunk driving defense that can help you avoid Washington DUI penalties.
Being arrested for a DUI in Seattle can be embarrassing and humiliating , but it’s nothing compared to the devastating effect of the penalties a conviction will incur. There are several different Washington State drunk driving offenses, and each has its own set of penalties depending on the severity of the crime. Your Seattle DUI attorney’s first order of business will be to defend your interests, in order to minimize your penalties as much as possible.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI crime, you need to speak with one of our Seattle lawyers to find out which Washington State DUI Penalties apply to your offense. Building a defense strategy starts with by understanding the law and how it applies to your Washington DUI case. One thing is certain – if you don’t address the problem quickly, determined to protect your own legal interests, the penalties Washington law imposes are swift and severe.
Washington State DUI penalties – getting the facts.
Depending on the nature of your Seattle drunk driving crime, the Washington DUI penalties you will incur if convicted can be either mandatory or discretionary. Most WA drunk driving convictions include jail time as a penalty. We understand that almost everyone wants to stay OUT of jail, so we consider it a high priority to fight for your freedom. Were you aware that your first Washington DUI conviction could land you in jail for up to 364 days, and that a jail sentence is a mandatory penalty associated with the crime?
Persons convicted of a Seattle DUI will also face Washington DUI penalties that mandate expensive fines. Your first DUI conviction will incur a fine that could be as high as $5,000, and if you are unable to pay you could face other penalties.
Another mandatory penalty that comes standard with a Seattle drunk driving convictions is a driver’s license suspension, and most people find that going about their daily life is extremely difficult without one. The length of a driver’s license suspension will vary depending on the particular offense committed, and when the license is reinstated SR-22 insurance will have to be carried by the driver for three years.
One of the ways a DUI conviction is most devastating is because of acquiring a criminal record. A criminal record can hurt anyone’s life in dramatic ways, but for young people charged with a minor DUI, it can hinder their ability to get a good job in the future.
According to Washington law, there are a number of other Washington DUI penalties that can be enforced by a judge, so you should do whatever you can to make sure your legal rights are protected. Our Seattle DUI lawyers will aggressively defend you, using every tool at their disposal, in an effort to minimize penalties and get your life back on track.
What we can do to minimize your penalties, and resolve your Seattle DUI case.
When you’re arrested and charged with a Seattle DUI, your reputation is at stake – as is your freedom, your driving privileges, and possibly even your job. With the stakes so high, it is vital that you act to minimize Washington State DUI penalties with help from a qualified professional with real-world experience.
Our Seattle DUI attorneys offer a free case evaluation, and this is a chance for you to start getting some concrete information about the penalties you’re facing. We will answer your questions, talk about ways we might mitigate the penalties, and provide you with information about Washington DUI law.
Don’t let the relentless pursuit of the Washington court and prosecutor’s office immobilize you or prevent you from taking fast action right now – start fighting back today with help from our qualified Seattle DUI lawyers.
A short overview of the penalties associated with a WA State DUI.
Basically, there are two types of penalties associated with being charged with a DUI in Washington: the tangible penalties imposed by the State that you can eventually work through in time; and those of an intangible variety whereby you feel the ripple effect throughout your lifetime. After all, having a negative mark on your criminal history can be a difficult stigmata to overcome in the work place. Opportunities that were open prior to a DUI conviction may now suddenly be closed.
To review, some of the mandatory DUI penalties that accompany a WA drunk driving conviction are:
- Obtaining a criminal record.
- Time spent in jail.
- Driver’s license suspension.
- Drug and alcohol treatment.
- The possible installation of an interlock ignition device within your automobile.
There are certainly other WA DUI penalties that may be imposed including steep fines. Essentially, it depends upon the circumstances surrounding your particular situation. For instance, were there other people that were injured? Did you cause an accident? The judge will determine if you are a threat to the community, and if found to be so, could levy harsher penalties than the mandatory minimum.
Take immediate action with the guidance from our Seattle DUI attorneys.
It is not unusual to feel paralyzed with fear and uncertainty if faced with a DUI charge and the severe Washington drunk driving penalties associated it. Don’t let this keep you from immediate action. Our experienced Seattle DUI attorneys are here to help mitigate that worry by building you a strong defense based on WA DUI law.
To help encourage you in acting sooner rather than later, which can have devastating consequences, our team provides an initial free consultation so that you can address some of your most pressing concerns. If you decide to hire us to represent you, your Seattle DUI lawyer will stand by you throughout the entire process.
Remember, there’s only a 7-day cushion to request your hearing after your arrest for a DUI. With such limited time, it is imperative to give our team a good window of opportunity to analyze as much evidence surrounding your case as possible. This will help ensure greater success in getting your charges reduced, or even better – dropped.
Get a better grip on understanding Washington State DUI penalties – call today!
(206) 686-3279
