Under Washington State law, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of substances is a criminal offense. More specifically, if you are operating a vehicle under the influence, you are in violation of RCW 46.61.502.

If you are arrested and charged with a DUI, or convicted of a DUI in court, you will most likely face criminal penalties. On top of these penalties, you additionally may be subject to administrative penalties from the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).

Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your previous driving history, your charge could be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony offense.

To understand just what you’ll face for driving under the influence, first you need to understand how Washington State defines DUI.

Quick Look: FAQs about DUI Penalties and Repercussions

 

1. How long does a DUI stay on record in Washington State?

 

In Washington, you cannot expunge or vacate a DUI charge. This means a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction remains on your driving record permanently, influencing insurance rates, employment opportunities, and potentially affecting your ability to obtain certain professional licenses.

While a DUI charge can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense—such as reckless driving or negligent driving—the original DUI charge will still appear on your record as the initial charge. It’s important to understand that while the conviction itself stays on your driving record, the specifics related to how it is treated can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and any subsequent offenses.

 

 

2. Does a DUI show up on a background check in Washington State?

In Washington State, a DUI conviction can indeed show up on a background check, which can have significant implications for various aspects of life, including employment opportunities, housing applications, and even professional licensing. When a background check is conducted, it typically reveals criminal records that include misdemeanors and felonies, and a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is classified as a gross misdemeanor in Washington. This means that if you have been convicted of a DUI, it will generally appear on your criminal record, thereby impacting any check performed by potential employers or agencies requiring background verification.

3. I was arrested for a DUI in Spokane. Is a first DUI in Washington State a criminal offense?

In Washington State, a first DUI (driving under the influence) charge is considered a criminal offense, though the specifics can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. When an individual is arrested for DUI, it usually means their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at or above the legal limit of 0.08%. In Washington, a first offense DUI can be categorized as a gross misdemeanor. This means that while it is a serious offense, it is generally treated less harshly compared to felonies. Penalties for a first-time DUI may include a fine, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential jail time. Notably, even for first-time offenders, Washington has strict laws that can lead to significant consequences, including a driver’s license suspension.

 The legal ramifications of a first DUI in Washington extend beyond immediate penalties. The incident can result in a lasting criminal record, which could influence future employment opportunities, housing applications, and various personal endeavors. Additionally, first-time offenders often face long-term costs associated with insurance premiums, which tend to rise dramatically following a DUI conviction. Given the complexities involved in DUI charges, individuals facing such accusations should consider consulting with a qualified attorney to navigate the legal system effectively and minimize potential repercussions. Overall, understanding the serious nature of a first DUI in Washington State can help individuals make informed decisions moving forward.

 

4. How Do Washington State Alcohol Laws Define DUI?

If you are stopped while driving a vehicle under the influence, you may be arrested and charged with a gross misdemeanor if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) meets or surpasses any of these levels:

• .08 or higher (adults 21 and older)
• .02 or higher (minors)
• .04 or higher (drivers operating commercial vehicles)

A DUI may also be issued if you are under the influence of any type of drug or combination of drugs, not just alcohol. In these cases, your BAC doesn’t matter.

What Can Happen if You Break Washington DUI Laws?

When you are arrested for breaking Washington DUI laws, you can face multiple penalties from different areas. These include:

• Penalties resulting from your arrest
• Penalties from getting convicted in court
• Department of Licensing (DOL) penalties

1. DUI Penalties Resulting from Arrest

After a Washington State DUI arrest, your license will be suspended anywhere from 90 days to two years. Additionally, you have 20 days after the arrest (or notice of suspension) to request an optional hearing to review your suspension, where this penalty could potentially be lifted. This request costs $375 and is nonrefundable.

The above hearing is carried out independent of any criminal charges you’re facing. For those, you’ll attend a separate court hearing to determine conviction and punishment.

2. DUI Penalties for a Court Conviction

If you’re convicted in court, there are a number of possible punishments. For instance, you could face the following if your BAC is .15% or under:

• 90-day license suspension
• Anywhere from 1 to 364 days in jail

In addition to the above penalties, you could be fined at least $940. Depending on the nature of your case, this could be significantly higher – as high as $5,000.

3. DUI Penalties from the DOL After a Court Conviction

The court will notify the DOL if you have been convicted. They can then suspend your license for up to four years, which will take effect 45 days after your conviction.

 

Washington State: Is DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony?

For the most part, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense. However, a felony DUI in Washington state is possible.

 

When is a DUI a Felony in Washington State?

In Washington, your DUI can be escalated to a felony, especially if you have four or more DUI convictions in a 10-year period. Also, if your DUI involved vehicular assault or serious injury, the charge may be escalated to a felony offense.

Also, your misdemeanor may become a felony if:

• You were previously convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence;
• You were convicted of vehicular assault while under the influence;
• You were convicted of an out-of-state offense that is comparable to Washington offenses.

 The felony DUI law has been around since 2007, and amendments to the code were made over the past few years to push up the cut-off period for multiple offenses.

Felony DUIs Carry Much Harsher Penalties

 Compared to a misdemeanor, your felony DUI carries significant penalties, including consequences that will affect you for the rest of your life, even if you do not serve much time in jail.

If you are charged with a Class B felony, you could spend as much as ten years in prison and pay up to $20,000 in fines. Your sentencing is governed by the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines, and these guidelines have mandatory sentencing ranges for felonies. Unlike misdemeanors, there will be little to no maneuvering by the judge, and most judges will impart the standard penalty.

When sentencing, the judge will use a scoring system outlined in the statute. This helps them determine the appropriate sentence based on all mitigating and aggravating factors.

If there are aggravating circumstances, the judge can increase your sentence as well; for example, if your fifth DUI conviction involves bodily harm or vehicular manslaughter.

A DUI attorney may advise you to seek a chemical dependency evaluation before sentencing. If you are proactive, this may spare a harsher penalty from the judge. It also shows the judge that you are taking your criminal charges seriously, and you can find a treatment program that will help you with any dependency issues that led to your DUI.

A DUI Is a Criminal Offense in Washington State – but There’s Help Available

If you’re Navigating a DUI arrest in Spokane, conviction and penalties can be overwhelming. Contact an experienced DUI attorney from Bugbee Law Office and get the help you need.

 

Call Us for Help:  (509) 337-5082