DUI WA

Thinking of Drinking and Driving in Washington State? Look What Might Happen if You Do!

We all know that drinking and driving is irresponsible and dangerous not to mention carries some pretty stiff penalties. However, there are plenty of first time offenders in Washington State every single day. So, what happens to these folks? You might want to read the following information so that you know if you choose to drink and drive you are taking your life in your hands and a whole lot more.

The first time offender is given a DUI if his/her blood alcohol content is above .08%. If you are under the age of 21 and your blood alcohol is over .02% you will receive a DUI as will the commercial driver whose blood alcohol content is over .04%. If you have never had a DUI before this will be the first one.

Almost all individuals charged with their first DUI in Seattle and Washington State receive a minimum of 24 hours in jail. They will also lose their license of 90 days, maybe more, and be required to attend a DUI victim’s panel. Other punishments include an alcohol evaluation and treatment program as well as the possibility of an interlock ignition device placed on the vehicle.

Your driver’s license is also in jeopardy when you receive a DUI. If you are not charged with criminal charges then you will have your license suspended if your breathalyzer measures above .08%. If you refuse the breath test then your punishment will be the same. In the event criminal charges are filed then the loss of your driver’s license is a real possibility. If you do not like the idea of an automatic suspension of your license you will need to pay $100 to the Department of Licensing within 30 days of your DUI to pay for the hearing.

Jail time is a reality for your first DUI conviction. The minimum is 24 hours and the maximum is one full year. The minimum jail time for a blood alcohol content level over .15% is two full days and up to one year.

Some individuals convicted of a DUI in Washington State will receive electronic home monitoring. This is sometimes given instead of jail time, but the minimum amount of time is 15 days for a low BAC and 30 days for a BAC over .15%.

You will have plenty of fines to pay if you are charged with a DUI. They range form $350 to $5000 and the minimum is even higher if you had a high BAC . Also, those individuals who refuse to take the breath test will have their license suspended for one year.

Some individuals are placed on probation, the minimum amount is five years. Keep in mind your insurance will also go up significantly from 30% to 100%.

There are many repercussions for being convicted of a DUI. So, the best thing to do is not drink and drive and you will never have to worry about it!

DUI Lawyers and Attorneys
Driving under the influence, today, has some harsh penalties, due to organizations such as Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers. Because of this organization and others, laws are changing all the time. Without a DUI attorney, even on your first offense you might find yourself in deep trouble, such as having your driver’s license revoked.

DUI Attorneys in Seattle and WA State
The main reason to find a local DUI attorney is that you must have representation that understand the court proceedings, laws, and how to best provide you will legal counsel. If you do not use a DUI lawyer, you may find yourself behind bars in no time, not because the attorney is not a great attorney but because he may not know the laws governing DUI Cases.

Tips to Avoid a DUI Conviction
The police may want to subject you to a variety of tests to determine if you are under the influence or not. Keep in mind the following tips if you find yourself in this situation. They just may help you avoid a DUI conviction! more...

Drinking and Driving - A Bad Choice
Heading out for a night out in Seattle? Are you sober enough to drive? Do you have a sober driver? All of these things should be considered before you ever have that alcoholic beverage. more...

DUI Laws are Tougher than Ever in Washington
For the last few years Seattle and Washington State residents have been dealing with tougher DUI laws. The benefit is that offenders have more repercussions and the state is hoping that long term the amount of DUIs given will decrease. more...