DUI Penalties

What are the penalties for DUI?

There are a number of potential outcomes that you might face if you are charged with driving under the influence, which include jail time, a fine, a license penalty, electronic home monitoring, a court ordered sobriety program, required acquisition of insurance, or some combination of these penalties. The outcome depends largely on two factors: whether you have prior convictions and whether your BAC level exceeds 0.15. Prior convictions increase the severity of the penalties you might face if charged with DUI. Further, even though the BAC limit for a DUI charge is 0.08, if your BAC level exceeds 0.15, then you face more severe penalties as well.

DUI penalties for a BAC level under 0.15

If you have no prior offenses in seven years, then you might face any combination of the following:

  • Jail Time: 24 hours - 1 year
  • Fine: $350 - $5,000
  • License Penalty: suspension or denial for 90 days

If you have one prior offense in seven years, then you might face any combination of the following:

  • Jail Time: 30 days - 1 year
  • Fine: $500 - $5,000
  • License Penalty: revocation or denial for 2 years
  • Electronic Home Monitoring: 60 days

If you have two or three prior offenses in seven years, then you might face any combination of the following:

  • Jail Time: 90 days - 1 year
  • Fine: $1,000 - $5,000
  • License Penalty: revocation or denial for 3 years
  • Electronic Home Monitoring: 120 days
  • 24/7 Sobriety Program: 6 months
  • Required acquisition of Washington SR22 Insurance
DUI penalties for a BAC level exceeding 0.15

If you have no prior offenses in seven years, then you might face any combination of the following:

  • Jail Time: 48 hours - 1 year
  • Fine: $500 - $5,000
  • License Penalty: revocation or denial for 1 year

If you have one prior offense in seven years, then you might face any combination of the following:

  • Jail Time: 45 days - 1 year
  • Fine: $750 - $5,000
  • License Penalty: revocation or denial for 900 days
  • Electronic Home Monitoring: 90 days

If you have two or three prior offenses in seven years, then you might face any combination of the following:

  • Jail Time: 120 days - 1 year
  • Fine: $1,500 - $5,000
  • License Penalty: revocation or denial for 4 years
  • Electronic Home Monitoring: 150 days
  • 24/7 Sobriety Program: 6 months
  • Required acquisition of Washington SR22 Insurance
Deferred Prosecution

If you are charged with DUI, you may petition the court to be considered for deferred prosecution if your offense was a result of alcoholism or drug addiction. Such a petition must be filed seven days before trial begins. Further, such a petition must include a statement, under oath, that your conduct was the result of alcoholism or drug addiction, as well as a case history and written assessment by an alcohol or drug treatment program. The court might then refer you for a diagnostic evaluation, upon which a report and plan for treatment will be provided to the court. If the court approves the plan and you comply with its terms, then you will be accepted for deferred prosecution.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mark C. Blair has no rival in his field in Seattle. A consummate professional. Communication was brief, straightforward, easy to understand, and without a typical condescending tone you can sometimes experience from attorneys on top of their field. Correspondence was timely and always affective. Any in need of criminal defense, should have a conversation with Mr. Blair, and you will quickly see and feel, no further contacts, referrals, or phone calls need be made. The money and time that can be saved by streamlining future contact and collateral damage in the sentencing process will far and away be worth every penny of the fee structure. Thank you very very much Mark Blair. N.Mark French
★★★★★
Sara Kim of BlairKim is a great attorney. I had never before had representation or dealt with the legal system and she made it very easy for me. She converted the legalese into laymans terms for me and helped me to understand the steps of the process. When I hesitated on certain decisions, Sara gave me the confidence and encouragement to proceed – especially since it was most beneficial to me in the long run. Sara is very straightforward and professional while also being personable and pleasant to deal with. Tamara
★★★★★
Sara Kim was the perfect lawyer for our situation. We were determined not to involve the courts in our divorce. Within the first 30 minutes of consultation, Sara proposed an equitable formula for division of property which we used to negotiate an agreement that felt fair to both of us. Our flat fee arrangement with Sara covered the filing of paperwork which alleviated much pressure for us during a very stressful time. I highly recommend Sara for her flexibility, professionalism, and efficiency. Carrie