Helping You Navigate Washington's DUI Process
Our lawyers understand the serious, life-changing penalties you may face due to a DUI charge. We realize that your ability to hold your job or find a new job could be jeopardized. The fines and penalties associated with your DUI charges could also create severe financial hardship.
Our attorneys are committed to providing effective DUI defense. We will review your charges, investigate the facts and legal issues of your case and prepare your defense accordingly. We negotiate with the State to try to negate or minimize your charges. Our knowledge of the DUI process will help you feel more confident about your case.
Serious Penalties
Driving Under the Influence carries a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. If convicted of DUI in the State of Washington, a person is subject to mandatory minimum penalties. If you have:
No Prior Offense Within Past Seven Years & BAC less than .15 or No Test Result
- mandatory minimum 1 day jail sentence;
- $866 minimum fine with statutory assessments;
- 90 day license suspension;
- installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle;
- and a drug /alcohol evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations.
No Prior Offense Within Past Seven Years & BAC at least .15 or Test Refusal
- $1,121 minimum fine with statutory assessments;
- 1 year license revocation (2 year revocation for breath test refusal);
- installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; and
- a drug/alcohol evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations.
One Prior Offense Within Past Seven Years & BAC less than .15 or No Test Result
- mandatory minimum 30 day jail sentence followed by 60 days of electronic home monitoring;
- $1,121 minimum fine with statutory assessments;
- 2 year license revocation;
- installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; and
- a drug /alcohol evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations.
One Prior Offense Within Past Seven Years & BAC at least .15 or Test Refusal
- mandatory minimum 45 day jail sentence followed by 90 days of electronic home monitoring;
- $1,546 minimum fine with statutory assessments;
- 900 day license revocation (3 year revocation for breath test refusal);
- installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; and
- a drug/alcohol evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations.
Two or More Prior Offenses Within Past Seven Years & BAC less than .15 or No Test Result
- mandatory minimum 90 day jail sentence followed by 120 days of electronic home monitoring;
- $1,971 minimum fine with statutory assessments;
- 3 year license revocation;
- installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; and
- a drug/alcohol evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations.
Two or More Prior Offense Within Past Seven Years & BAC at least .15 or Test Refusal
- mandatory minimum 120 day jail sentence followed by 150 days of electronic home monitoring;
- $2,821 minimum fine with statutory assessments;
- 4 year license revocation;
- installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; and
- a drug/alcohol evaluation and compliance with treatment recommendations.
Why did I get a Hearing Request Form?
When arrested for DUI, if your breath test is a .08 or greater or you refuse to take a breath test, the arresting officer will report the information to the department of licensing. The DOL will suspend or revoke your license 60 days from the date of your arrest. You are entitled to a hearing to contest the proposed license suspension/revocation. You must request a hearing regarding the proposed suspension/revocation within 20 days of your arrest and you will receive a hearing within 60 days. There is a $200 fee to request a hearing.
For How Long Will the Department of Licensing Suspend/Revoke my License?
First Administrative Action Within 7 Years:
- Adults ≥ 0.08 - 90 Day License Suspension
- Minors ≥ 0.02 - 90 Day License Suspension
Second or Subsequent Administrative Action Within 7 Years
- Adults ≥ 0.08 Two Year License Revocation
- Minors ≥ 0.02 - One Year License Revocation Or Until Age Twenty-One Whichever Is Longer
Refused Test - First Refusal Within 7 Years And No Prior Administrative Action Within Past 7 Years:
- Adults: One Year License Revocation
- Minors: One Year License Revocation
Refused Test - Second or Subsequent Refusal Within Past 7 Years OR First Refusal And At Least One Prior Administrative Action Within Past 7 Years
- Adults: Two Year License Revocation
- Minors: Two Year License Revocation Or Until Age Twenty-One Whichever Is Longer
At Moriarty & Associates, P.L.L.C., we possess sophisticated knowledge of the State's DUI process. We understand that your penalties are based on several factors, including your breath test results or refusal to submit to a breath or blood test, and your prior DUI history.
Our DUI defense lawyers recognize that Washington levies serious consequences for drunk driving and we are dedicated to helping our clients avoid those consequences.
Expensive Treatment
Depending on your charges and prior criminal history, your court-ordered treatment could be extensive. A conviction for DUI requires you to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation at a state certified treatment agency to determine the length of your treatment.
Based on the agency's evaluation, you could be required to attend treatment ranging from a one-day class to a two-year drug and alcohol treatment program. Fees for outpatient treatment can start in the thousands, while inpatient counseling runs much higher.
Driver's License Suspension Issues
When you are arrested for DUI, the State will administratively suspend or revoke your driver's license. Following arrestyou have 20 days to request an administrative hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL). If you do not fulfill this step in the process, your license will be revoked or suspended for at least 90 days.
Because your license can be suspended or revoked administratively, it is important that you discuss your DUI arrest with an attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights.
Protecting Your Rights
Our Lynnwood law firm will zealously defend you to help protect your right to a driver's license. Our goal is to avoid charges that can lead to an administrative suspension or revocation of your license. To that end, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to try to get a plea deal or a reduction in your charge.
Free Initial Consultations
We are available to discuss the DUI process and how we can help. We can be reached toll free at 888-341-5089 or 425-329-4770. You may also send us an e-mail.
