Washington DUI

A Washington DUI is defined by the Washington Revised Code RCW § 46.61.502 for driving under the influence. A person is to be considered guilty of DUI of an intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state of Washington.

Washington DUI RCW 46.61.502 states that a blood or breath sample must be taken within a 2 hour time period from when the driver was operating a motor vehicle. Analyses of blood or breath samples obtained more than two hours after the alleged driving may be used as evidence if a person had an alcohol concentration of 0.08% and it can be reasonably inferred that a person was under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or any drug while driving. 


If you are stopped for a DUI in the state of Washington, you are facing serious consequences. Washington DUI is considered a criminal act, and you are going to need the help of a DUI lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected as much as possible. Also, if you do not have a Washington DUI attorney you can expect to be taken immediately to jail until you can post bail. In Washington a DUI lawyer is a necessity. 

Special DUI Considerations for Seattle

The city of Seattle has different considerations than the other cities in Washington. If you are arrested for a Washington DUI in Seattle, you must show up in court within 2 days of your arrest. In this first court appearance you will be faced with high bail and release conditions. Having a lawyer will help protect you from impossible pretrial release policies. 

Fines and Penalties for Washington State DUI

Your Washington DUI carries strict penalties. Keep in mind that your driving history in the eyes of the court goes back seven years. Any prior DUI convictions before this time will not be considered. Here is what you can expect to be handed down for your punishment: 

First Offense

• Jail time of 1 day to 1 year, or 15 days house arrest
• Fines between $823 and $5000
• Drivers license suspension for 90 days
• SR22 proof of insurance required
• Probationary drivers license for 5 years
• Ignition interlock device may be required for first offense in Washington
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment

Second Offense

• Jail time of 2 days to 1 year, or 30 days house arrest
• Fines between $1078 and $5000
• Drivers license suspension for 1 year
• SR22 insurance proof of insurance required
• Probationary drivers license for a period of 5 years
• Ignition interlock device required for at least 1 year
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment

Third Offense

• Jail time of 90 days to 1 year, and 120 days house arrest
• Fines between $1928 and $5000
• Drivers license suspension for 3 years
• Driving tests will also be required
• SR22 proof of insurance required
• Probationary drivers license for 5 years
• Ignition interlock device installed for at least 1 year
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment

Washington DUI Attorneys

DUI Arrest Help.com has compiled a list of skilled DUI defense attorneys in Washington who have agreed to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case.  There is no obligation to use them, and you can get some great information about what you should do in this free consultation.  

Click here to speak with one of our Washington DUI lawyers.

Insurance Considerations for a Washington DUI

SR-22 insurance is required in the state of Washington after a DUI conviction.  This type of insurance is classified as 'high risk' meaning you are a higher risk to the insurance companies so consequently they will charge more for taking on more risk.  This can get very expensive if you sign up for one of these policies with the wrong company.

DUI Arrest Help.com has partnered with the largest and most trusted provider in the state of Washington to offer you a free no obligation SR-22 insurance quote.  Not only will you save money but our partner also leads the insurance industry in customer service. 

Take a minute and fill out a free no obligation quote.  It won't cost you a thing (and only takes a minute) to check and see what they can do for you.

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