MyDUIAttorney can help you find a Washington DUI lawyer if you have been charged with Washington State DUI

According to the Washington State DUI laws, drunk driving or impaired driving is a serious crime, which can have long lasting consequences. A Washington DUI arrest can cause life-altering possibilities of fines, jail sentence, and other penalties which can affect your personal freedom, such as installation of an ignition interlock device. The DUI process can also put a permanent criminal history on your record, affecting your future, job opportunities, family ties etc. In order to protect yourself from these penalties and charges, you should immediately seek help from a qualified Washington DUI attorney, who understands the local DUI laws.

In the state of Washington, any one with a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of 0.08% or more within two hours after driving will be charged with DUI. Similarly, if the offender is found to be under the influence of any other chemical substance or drug will also be charged with DUI. A person is convicted guilty of DUI if he or she is in actual physical control of a vehicle. The penalties and charges depend from case to case, and some of the common DUI laws are given below.

Washington State DUI for BAC between 0.08 and 0.15

First Time Offense: First time offenders are fined between $865 up to $5000 and jailed for a minimum of 24 hours up to 1 year. The driver’s license is suspended for 90 days, followed by installation of an ignition interlock device.

Second Time Offense: Second time offenders are fined anywhere between $1120 up to $5000 and jailed for a minimum of 30 days up to 1 year. The driver’s license is suspended for 2 years, followed by installation of an ignition interlock device.

Third Time Offense: Third time offenders are fined anywhere between $1970 up to $5000 and jailed for a minimum of 90 days up to 1 year. The driver’s license is suspended for 3 years, followed by installation of an ignition interlock device.

Washington State DUI for BAC above 0.15

First Time Offense: First time offenders with BAC above 0.15% are fined anywhere between $1120 up to $5000 and jailed for minimum 2 days up to 1 year. The driver’s license is suspended for 1 year, followed by installation of an ignition interlock device and a possible Alcohol or Drug education and treatment program.

Second Time Offense: Second time offenders are fined anywhere between $1545 up to $5000 and jailed for a minimum of 45 days, up to 1 year. The driver’s license is suspended for 900 days, and is followed by installation of an ignition interlock device and a possible Alcohol or Drug education and treatment program.

Third Time Offense: Third time offenders are fined a minimum of $2820 up to $5000 along with minimum 120 days of jail up to 1 year. The driver’s license is suspended for 4 years and is followed by installation of an ignition interlock device and a possible Alcohol or Drug education and treatment program.

In the state of Washington, the State also has two opportunities to suspend or take away a driver’s license, in case of a DUI; firstly, if BAC is greater than 0.08 and secondly if the driver refuses to submit to a test. Once criminal charges are filed against the offender, the offender can lose his/her driver’s license. By requesting a hearing within 30 days of the suspension, you can fight the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.

If you have been charged with DUI in Washington, you should consult several Washington DUI lawyers, before choosing one to defend your case. A qualified DUI lawyer can make the difference for you. Browse through the drunk driving lawyers directory at MyDUIAttorney.org to find a local attorney in your area.