DUI Sentencing in Snohomish County, WA

What Happens After a DUI Conviction in Washington State?

If you either plead guilty or are convicted of DUI in Washington State, you will face certain minimum penalties, including jail time, fines, a suspended or revoked license, and a criminal record. The penalties for DUI become increasingly more severe if you have one or more prior convictions within the last seven years. Even if your BAC is less than 0.15% or there is no test, you will face between 1 and 90 days in jail, depending on the number of prior convictions.

For more details about the possible penalties you face, call DUIHeroes at (425) 296-9358, and request a free consultation with a Snohomish County DUI sentencing attorney at our firm.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Washington?

For a first-time offender, the penalties for a DUI conviction include:

• At least 1 day (mandatory) and up to 365 days in jail
• A minimum fine of $990.50, plus additional fees and costs
• A 90-day driver's license suspension
• A mandatory ignition interlock device
• Drug/alcohol education or treatment
• Vehicle impoundment 

Keep in mind that these are the penalties for being convicted of DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08% but less than 0.15%. If convicted of DUI with a BAC over 0.15%, or if you refuse to take the BAC test, the penalties increase to 2 days minimum jail time and a 1- or 2-year driver's license revocation. For anyone with prior convictions, the penalties increase dramatically on both jail time and length of license revocation.

How a Lawyer Can Help During DUI Sentencing 

During your sentencing, your Snohomish County DUI sentencing lawyer can argue to have some of your penalties reduced or modified. If you are medically or physically incapable of serving jail time, you may be able to serve time under electronic house arrest at your own expense. The amount of your fine may be able to be kept close to or at the minimum amount prescribed by law. If you have any prior DUI convictions, such leniency becomes much more difficult to obtain as the Washington courts are very tough on repeat offenders. 

If you have even one prior DUI, your driver’s license will be automatically revoked, not suspended, and your minimum jail time jumps from 1 to either 30 or 45 days. You should have effective legal representation by your side during your sentencing to avoid the harsher penalties that the court could choose.

Contact an experienced Snohomish County DUI sentencing attorney at our firm for assistance and advice during your sentencing for a DUI conviction.