THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF A DUI CONVICTION IN BELLEVUE WA AND HOW AN ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU

Posted on by cedric luis

The potential DUI consequences discussed here could seem overwhelming, but remember that a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer will give you counsel tailored to your particular circumstances.

Minimum Mandatory Sentences for DUI Convictions

When a DUI conviction occurs, the court consults the DUI sentencing laws to ascertain the legally mandated minimum sentence. Although it is upon the judge to impose a sentence longer than the minimum, he is not obligated to, and the required minimum penalty is the only one the judge may impose. In every instance, the presence of any one of the following three facts increases the severity of the minimum sentence:

Prior offenses include prior DUI convictions, DUI charge dismissals, or prior Deferred Prosecutions. A higher penalty is necessary if:

  • The defendant declined to take the breathalyzer test.
  • The defendant had a high breath test result- .15 or more on the breathalyzer.
  • The previous arrest occurred within seven years of the current offense.

Although a DUI penalty can be severe, a DUI attorney in Bellevue can successfully defend your case.

Penalties for First, second, and third-time DUI Offenses

Even though Washington has among the strictest DUI regulations in the country, most of the time, a DUI charge does not mean the end of your career. If jail time is mandated, it is possible to ensure it is the bare minimum with the help of a DUI attorney. Below is a list of expected DUI consequences, including the minimum fines and jail terms stipulated by Washington law.

Breath Test.15 or Less

  • One day in prison
  • If a passenger under 16 is in the vehicle, an additional day in jail is necessary.
  • $990.50 fine plus minimal court fees and assessments
  • Minimum one year of ignition interlock use
  • License suspension for 90 days

Breathalyzer results of .15 or above or test refusal

  • Two days in prison
  • If a passenger under 16 is in the vehicle, an additional day in jail is necessary.
  • $1,245.50 fine plus fundamental court fees and assessments
  • Ignition interlock for at least a year
  • The license will be canceled for one year and two years for breathalyzer exam refusal.

Administrative Sanctions for DUI in Washington

You may still be subject to administrative sanctions even if you haven’t been found guilty of a DUI. Washington State will suspend your DL for 90 days if you are charged with DUI and the test result is .08 or higher. You can also be subject to a two-year license suspension if the case is your second or third DUI in the last seven years.

Your DL will be revoked for a year if you refuse the breathalyzer. Remember, a timely request for a DOL hearing is required to contest this license suspension. If you have been detained for DUI, please submit this request immediately.

A key takeaway

An expert DUI lawyer can try to prevent your conviction and relieve the emotional strain on your shoulders if you have been charged with DUI. It’s crucial to recognize that each case is unique and that the information provided is necessarily general.