In the State of Washington the criminal charge of DUI is classified as a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of $5,000.00. A DUI charge carries mandatory minimum penalties which prohibit the judges from going lower then predetermined penalties if someone is convicted of the offense. These mandatory minimum penalties are laid out by the legislature and are based on certain factors. For DUI’s, the factors that are taken into consideration when determining mandatory minimum sentences include: the number of prior DUI’s (or the like) offenses in the last seven years; whether or not the individual took the breath test and what the test results were from the breath test; or if the individual refused to take the breath test in the pending matter.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES

Potential criminal penalties include mandatory jail, fines, license suspension for at least ninety days, ignition interlock on your car, an alcohol or drug evaluation and treatment, attendance of a DUI victim impact panel, and SR-22 high risk insurance.

The chart below will show the mandatory penalties in your case. These penalties will vary in severity depending on your prior criminal history and whether or not you took the breath test.

>> VIEW CRIMINAL PENALTIES CHART

(*The DUI Penalties Chart should only be used as a guideline for the possible penalties that could be imposed by a judge or the DOL if there is conviction for a DUI offense.)

CIVIL PENALTIES

Potential civil penalties imposed by the State Department of Licensing include license suspension or revocation and a requirement for SR 22 high-risk insurance.

>> VIEW CIVIL PENALTIES CHART

(*The Civil Penalties Chart should only be used as a guideline for the possible penalties that could be imposed by a judge or the DOL if there is conviction for a DUI offense.)

HIGH RISK INSURANCE (SR-22)

If the State Department of Licensing suspends your license, you will be required to carry SR-22 high risk insurance for the three years after your license is reinstated. SR-22 insurance can be expensive so it is important to shop around to find the best rate.