Olympia, Washington Drunk Driving Punishments Lawyer
Are you worried that one poor decision could have a dramatic impact on your driving privileges, financial stability, employment, and family's future? At The Law Offices of Sharon Chirichillo, we understand that good people can make bad decisions related to drinking and driving. We understand that people have very real fears regarding drunk driving punishments. We provide compassionate legal representation and vigorous defense against DUI/DWI charges that can impact a person's life.
If you have submitted to a breath or blood test, call us today at 360-709-2188 to schedule your free consultation with attorney Sharon Chirichillo. You can also fill out a contact form to schedule your free DUI/DWI evaluation.
An overview of drunk driving punishments
As the number of offenses goes up, so do the penalties. Our firm provides defense to people who are experiencing their first DUI charge, people who have been charged with DUI previously, and people who have commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). The following is an overview of drunk driving punishments for various convictions within a seven year time frame, including those with BAC (blood alcohol content) of less than .15 and those greater than .15.
First conviction
- BAC of more than .08 and less than .15: Washington law states that if someone is convicted or pleads guilty to a DUI of less than .15 they will face a mandatory twenty-four hours in jail, and punishments could lead up to one year of jail time, fines up to $5,000, vehicle interlock device and 90 day driver's license suspension.
- BAC greater than .15 or refusal: Washington law states that if someone is convicted or pleads guilty to a DUI of greater than .15 they will face a mandatory 48 hours in jail, punishments of up to one year of jail time, fines up to $5,000, vehicle interlock device, 1 year driver's license revocation for BAC over .15 and 2 year driver's license revocation for refusal.
Second conviction
- BAC less than .15: up to one year jail time, up to $5,000 fine, 1 year minimum vehicle interlock device and 2 year driver's license revocation.
- BAC greater than .15 or refusal: up to one year jail time, up to $5,000 fine, 1 year minimum vehicle interlock device and 3 year driver's license revocation for refusal.
Third conviction
- BAC less than .15: up to one year jail time, up to $5000 fine, 1 year minimum vehicle interlock device and 3 year driver's license revocation.
- BAC greater than .15 or refusal: up to one year jail time, up to $5,000 fine, 1 year minimum vehicle interlock device and 4 year driver's license revocation.
For all convictions, you will also be required by the Department of Licensing to carry high-risk insurance.
Commercial driver's licenses
For commercial truck drivers and others who rely upon a commercial driver's license (CDL) for their livelihood, the loss of driving privileges can be devastating. If you are worried about losing your CDL and your job, contact us today to schedule your free DUI evaluation.
