Washington State First Offender

In Washington State, you are DUI if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08% (02% if you are under 21, and .04% if you are a commercial driver). You are a first offender if you have had no DUI or other Administrative action in the last 7 years.

A Washington State DUI for a first offender commonly results in mandatory jail time of at least 24 hours, mandatory loss of license of at least 90 days, possible installation of the ignition interlock device, alcohol evaluation and follow-up treatment, and attendance at a DUI victim's panel.

The State has two opportunities to take away your driver's license. Even if criminal charges are never filed, the Department of Licensing will automatically suspend your license if you have a breath test above a .08 or if you refused the breath test. If criminal charges have been filed, you can lose your license if you are convicted of a DUI. You can fight the automatic suspension by requesting a hearing within 30 days and sending in $100 to the Department of Licensing for the cost of the hearing.

Jail Time:

1 to 365 days, with a minimum 24 consecutive hours being mandatory. If your BAC was .15% or higher, then 48 hours of jail time are mandatory.

Electronic Home Monitoring:

For first time offenders, the court may impose electronic home monitoring in lieu of the mandatory minimum jail time. Instead of mandatory minimum jail time, not less than 15 days (30 days with if your BAC was .15% or higher).

Fine:

$350-$5,000 ($823 total minimum fine w/statutory assessments). If your BAC was 15% or higher, the total minimum is $1,078.

Test Refusal

One year license suspension if you refuse the breath test.

License Suspension:

90 days, or one year with a BAC of .15% or higher.

Ignition Interlock Device:

This is a device which checks for alcohol before and even during the period you are driving your car. Required at the Judge's discretion, or if your BAC was .15% or higher.

Alcohol / Drug Education or Treatment:

As determined by the Court, but probably including alcohol evaluation and follow-up treatment, with a minimum of one eight-hour class and up to two years of treatment. Also, you will be required to and attend a DUI victim's panel.

Under 21:

You are DUI if you have any alcohol at all in your system. Your driver's license will be revoked. Anyone under age 21 who obtains, possesses, or consumes alcohol will face a maximum of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Commercial Driver:

You are DUI with a BAC of .04% or higher. You will be disqualified for one year for a first time conviction for a.04 or higher BAC, or for refusing to take the BAC test. If any level of alcohol is detected, law enforcement can place you out-of-service for 24 hours.

Probation:

If you plead guilty and are placed on probation, the length of probation will be five years.

Reinstating Your Driver's License:

You must: file and maintain proof of financial responsibility for the future with the Department of Licensing, and pay $150 driver's license reissue fee. A driver's ability test is not required for first offenders.

Insurance:

Your insurance rates will probably go up, anywhere from 30% to 100%.