Lynnwood Multiple DUI Lawyer

Defending Against Second, Third & Subsequent DUI Charges

In Washington, two or more DUI convictions within seven years can lead to significantly enhanced penalties and harsh consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. Law enforcement and prosecutors take multiple DUI arrests extremely seriously, often seeking the maximum possible penalties. You need a legal team by your side that can help you fight just as aggressively for your rights and your future.

At DUIHeroes, we dedicate 100% of our practice to DUI defense. Our attorneys are extensively well-versed in Washington’s DUI laws, as well as the various defense strategies that can be used to challenge the prosecution’s case. We are widely recognized as leaders in DUI defense, with founding attorney Jonathan Dichter serving as the State Delegate for the National College for DUI Defense and a frequent lecturer to fellow attorneys on DUI defense strategies. 

Your future matters. Call our Lynnwood multiple DUI lawyers at (425) 296-9358 to learn how we can help protect it. 

Understanding Washington’s Multiple DUI Laws

One of the most important elements of a DUI case is whether the alleged offender has any prior DUI convictions. In Washington, this means any past convictions for DUI or a DUI-related offense, including reduced or amended lesser charges, within seven years of the date of your current arrest. This seven-year timeframe is sometimes referred to as the “lookback period.” 

If you have been arrested for and convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past seven years, and you are arrested for DUI again, you could be facing stricter penalties due to having multiple DUIs. It’s also important to note that Washington State counts cases resolved through deferred prosecution as “prior offenses.” 

What Happens If You Are Arrested for a Second or Third DUI?

If you are pulled over and arrested for DUI for the second or third time, you have the same rights as you would in any other interaction with law enforcement. This means you have the right to remain silent—and it’s strongly recommended that you do stay quiet. Be polite and cooperative but decline to answer any questions about whether you were drinking, when you last drove, or your criminal record. 

Instead, ask for an attorney. 

These cases tend to move fast. The prosecution will likely begin gathering evidence, including things like breath or blood tests, to use against you. The sooner you have a lawyer by your side, the sooner you can begin protecting your rights and taking critical steps to safeguard your future. 

Depending on the circumstances, a conviction for a second, third, or subsequent DUI in Snohomish County could lead to: 

• Felony charges
• Mandatory jail time 
• A lengthy prison sentence 
• Thousands of dollars in fines
• Probation 
• Substance use evaluation and treatment

A conviction could also trigger a driver’s license suspension through the Department of Licensing (DOL). If this happens, you have a limited amount of time to file a hearing to contest your license suspension. Our lawyers can help you file this request and work to protect your driving privileges. 

Is Multiple DUI the Same as Felony DUI? 

In Washington, felony DUIs and multiple DUIs can be related, but they are not the same thing. One of the factors that may elevate a DUI charge to a felony is if the alleged offender has three or more prior DUIs in the past 15 years (as of January 1, 2026). However, with misdemeanors, the lookback period is seven years. This means that, if you were convicted of DUI in the past seven years, and you’re arrested for DUI again, you may be facing enhanced penalties that come with a second DUI, but you wouldn’t necessarily be charged with a felony DUI absent of any other factors that could trigger such a charge. 

Having prior DUIs is not the only condition that can lead to felony DUI charges, and being arrested for DUI for a second or third time does not necessarily mean you’ll be charged with a felony. It’s important that you talk with a knowledgeable Lynnwood DUI attorney who can help you understand your charges. 

Contact Our Multiple DUI Attorneys in Lynnwood Today

At DUIHeroes, we have a proven record of success in even highly complex DUI cases. In fact, since 2009, we have successfully had our clients’ charges reduced or dismissed in an average of 95% of first-time cases.* With two former prosecutors on our team, we know both sides of the courtroom. We not only know how these cases are prosecuted but also which strategies are most likely to result in favorable outcomes for our clients. 

Most of all, we genuinely care. We know that good people can find themselves in bad situations. Our goal is to stop the effects of a DUI conviction from ruining your life. When you choose DUIHeroes, you get a team that’s always available, 24/7, one that will be there to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.

Contact us online or call (425) 296-9358 to get started with a free consultation.