DUI Sentencing

What happens if I am convicted?

If your either plead "guilty or are convicted of DUI in the State of Washington you will face speak certain minimum penalties that include jail time, fines, a suspended or revoked license and a criminal record.  The penalties get increasingly more severe if you have one or more prior conviction within the last seven years.  Even if your BAC is less than 0.15% or there is no test you will face between 1 and 90 days in jail depending on the number of prior convictions.  For more details about the possible penalties you face you should speak to a Lynnwood DUI lawyer at the Dichter Law Office, PLLC.  

For a first time offender the penalties for a DUI conviction if under 0.15% BAC include at least 1 (mandatory) and up to 365 days in jail, a fine between $350 and $5000 plus additional fees and costs, a 90 day license suspension, a mandatory ignition interlock device and possible drug/alcohol education or treatment.  If convicted of over 0.15% or a refusal to take the BAC test, the penalties increase to 2 days minimum jail time and a 1 or 2-year revocation of your license.  For anyone with prior convictions the penalties increase dramatically on both jail time and length of license revocation.

Lynnwood DUI Lawyer

During your sentencing your DUI lawyer can argue to have some of your penalties reduced or modified.  If you are medically or physically incapable of serving jail time you may be able to serve time under electronic house arrest at your own expense.  The amount of your fine may be able to be kept close to or at the minimum amount prescribed by law.  If you have any prior DUI convictions such leniency becomes much more difficult to obtain as the Washington courts are very tough on repeat offenders.  If you have even one prior DUI your license will be automatically revoked, not suspended and your minimum jail time jumps from 1 to either 30 or 45 days.  You should have the best legal representation possible by your side during your sentencing to avoid the harsher penalties that the court could choose.