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DUI Penalties
Serious Penalites
Washington State DUI Penalties
When a person is arrested for DUI, the first thing that crosses his or her mind are the penalties associated with a DUI charge and what they could possibly mean for his or her future.
In the State of Washington, DUI charges are aggressively prosecuted.
We at Callahan Law, P.S., Inc. work to help shield our clients from being punished to the full extent of the law. A DUI conviction could easily disrupt a person’s life and damage his or her employment and housing prospects in the future.
Penalties for Those 21 and Older Include:
Breath or Blood Alcohol Test Result less than < .150 or No Test Result
OR
Blood Test Result w/ any drug or w/ 5 nanograms of THC or more
| No Prior Offense | 1 Prior Offense w/ 7 years | 2 Prior Offenses w/ 7 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min/Max Jail Time | 1 Day/ 364 days | 30 days/ 364 days | 90 days/ 364 days |
| Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) | 15 days instead of jail | 60 days mandatory | 120 days OR a minimum of 8 additional days jail |
| Min/Max Fine (fees/ assessments, not including probation fees) | $990.50 / $5k | $1,245.50 / $5k | $2,095.50 / $5k |
| License Suspension/ Revocation (Day for Day Credit given for administrative suspension/ revocation) | 90 days | 2 year revocation | 3 year revocation |
| Diagnostic substance use evaluation and follow recommendations. | Required | Expanded Evaluation Required | Expanded Evaluation Required |
**Ignition Interlock Device Restriction required in all cases (first IID restriction at least 1 year; 2nd IID restriction at least 5 years; 3rd at least 10 years)**
Breath or Blood Alcohol Test Result .150 or Higher or Test Refused
| No Prior Offense | 1 Prior Offense w/ 7 years | 2 Prior Offenses w/ 7 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min/Max Jail Time | 2 days/ 364 days | 45 days/ 364 days | 120 days/ 364 days |
| Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) | 30 days instead of jail | 90 days mandatory | 150 days OR a minimum of 10 additional days jail |
| Min/Max Fine (fees/ assessments, not including probation fees) | $1,245.50 / $5k | $1,670.50 / $5k | $2,945.50 / $5k |
| License Revocation (Day for Day Credit given for administrative suspension/ revocation) | 1 year/ 2 years if test refused | 900 days/ 3 years if refused | 4 year revocation |
| Obtain diagnostic substance use evaluation and follow recommendations. | Required | Expanded Evaluation Required | Expanded Evaluation Required |
**Ignition Interlock Device Restriction required in all cases (first IID restriction at least 1 year; 2nd IID restriction at least 5 years; 3rd at least 10 years)**
For those who are accused of refusing the breath test, or who have prior DUI convictions, the penalties are more severe.
Don’t assume that your case is hopeless. Speak with our caring legal team about how you should proceed following an arrest.
Learn more about dUI Offenses
We know DUI Law better than most firms. That’s why we are trusted by Thomson Reuters to Author the DUI Practice Manual for Washington every year since 2006. We literally write The Book on DUI.
Why Hire Callahan Law?
Focused on DUI Offense
98% of our Law Firm is dedicated to DUI Defense. With over 20 years of experience defending drivers throughout Western Washington since 2000.
Respected Author
Attorney Linda M. Callahan, our firm’s founder, is the published author of a widely respected and often consulted book on DUI law. She has a perfect 10 Avvo.com Rating. Under her direction, our firm provides knowledgeable and excellent legal representation to accused individuals.
We Know The Law
Our yearly update to the DUI Manual requires that we stay up to date on legislative changes related to DUI and have an impressive track record of success. Should you choose to entrust us with your DUI matter, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that your rights will be protected.
Training
Our attorneys are trained on all aspects of DUI, from breath testing and blood testing, to field sobriety tests and drug recognition. We are successful because we understand the evidence.
Watch our helpful video's
What is an Aggravated DUI
DUI Arraignment
How to Win a DOL Hearing
Is a DUI a Felony in Washington?
plan of action
know your rights
Washington State has some of the toughest DUI laws in our nation. These laws carry increasingly severe penalties for those who drink and drive. Washington lowered the BAC limit from .10 to 0.08 in January of 1999. Drivers with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) at .08 or above can now be convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition, because public sentiment is so very negative toward drunk drivers, prosecutors will often pursue a DUI conviction even when the driver’s test result is well under .08! This is possible because they can obtain a conviction if they can show the person drove while “affected by” alcohol, and/or marijuana or any drug, including prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Let Us Be Your Legal Advocate
Contact one of our Experienced DUI Attorneys today and get the advice you need now. Learn how to save your license and stay out of jail.
With Offices in Seattle, Olympia, and Shelton, we literally surround the Puget Sound.
81 S. Main St, Seattle, WA 98104
400 Union Ave SE, Ste 200, Olympia WA 98501
625 W. Railroad Ave, Ste 426, Shelton WA 98584
Main Office
- 400 Union Ave SE, Ste 200, Olympia WA 98501
- 206-866-6739
- 888-855-6813
- info@dui-defender.net
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Attorneys
- Linda M. Callahan
- Nathan G. Compton
- Nicholas R. Andrews
Copyright 2021 – 2025 | Callahan Law, P.S., Inc.
Disclaimer: The legal information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Washington.
