Facing DUI Charges in Washington: Key Penalties You Need to Know

Washington State enforces some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation. Even a first-time offense can mean jail time or electronic home monitoring. Multiple DUI convictions carry mandatory minimum jail sentences, escalating with each offense. A DUI is classified as a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington, which means serious consequences across multiple areas of your life. Here’s what you need to know:

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First DUI Conviction – Penalties and Consequences

For your first DUI offense, you’re looking at significant penalties if convicted. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Jail Time: Up to 365 days, with a minimum of 24 hours in jail or 15 days of home detention. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if you refused a breath test, the minimum jumps to 48 hours in jail or 30 days of home detention.
  • Fines: Up to $5,000.
  • License Suspension: Minimum 90-day suspension. A BAC of 0.15+ or test refusal raises this to 1-2 years.
  • Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory installation for at least one year as a condition of license reinstatement.
  • Probation: A 5-year probation period with “standard” DUI conditions.

Each of these consequences has a lasting impact. Jail time, a criminal record, and loss of driving privileges can all disrupt your daily life, career, and personal relationships.

Second DUI Conviction – Enhanced Penalties

A second offense carries harsher penalties, reflecting Washington’s strict approach to repeat DUI offenders:

  • Jail Time: Up to one year, with a minimum of 30 days in jail or 60 days of home monitoring. A BAC of 0.15+ or refusal raises this to 45 days in jail or 90 days of monitoring.
  • Fines: Up to $5,000.
  • License Suspension: Minimum 2-year suspension. A higher BAC or refusal can increase this to 900 days to 3 years.
  • Ignition Interlock Device: Required for 5 years if previously restricted.
  • Probation: Another 5-year probation with standard DUI conditions.

With a second offense, the penalties extend beyond the immediate inconvenience—they impact your financial stability, driving freedom, and personal reputation.

Third DUI Conviction – Severe Repercussions

A third DUI conviction brings the most severe consequences under Washington law:

  • Jail Time: Up to one year, with a minimum of 90 days in jail or 120 days of home monitoring. A BAC of 0.15+ or refusal pushes this to 120 days in jail or 150 days of monitoring.
  • Fines: Up to $5,000.
  • License Suspension: Minimum 3-year suspension, extended to 4 years for BAC 0.15+ or refusal.
  • Ignition Interlock Device: Required for 10 years if previously restricted.
  • Probation: 5-year probation with the full scope of DUI conditions.

By this point, the penalties are life-altering. These sentences reflect Washington’s stance on DUI offenses, and without a strong defense, you’re at risk of severe long-term restrictions.

Effective DUI Defense with Knauss Law

At Knauss Law, we understand that a DUI charge is daunting—but there are ways to defend your rights. Our approach combines thorough investigation, strategic challenges to evidence, and a clear plan tailored to your case. Whether you’re fighting the charge in court or seeking the best possible outcome through negotiation, we’ll walk you through every option.

  • Challenge Evidence: We scrutinize every detail, from procedural issues in field sobriety tests to inconsistencies in breathalyzer results.
  • Request a DOL Hearing: You only have 20 days to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing. We’ll handle this critical step to protect your driving privileges.
  • No Cost Case Evaluation: We offer a no-obligation, in-office consultation to discuss your case, understand your priorities, and outline potential defenses.

Don’t face these penalties alone. Contact Knauss Law to put a skilled, experienced team on your side. We’ll help you understand your options and protect your future.