How Long Is Your License Suspended for a DUI in Washington?

Facing a DUI charge in Washington is a big deal with significant consequences. One of those consequences is a suspended license. To minimize this duration, you should contact an experienced Washington DUI defense lawyer. 

Going without your license in today’s world can be debilitating. As if the costs of DUI charges and conviction aren’t enough, being unable to make it to work or fulfill commitments to your friends and family can take an additional toll. When you contact Puget Law Group, you can rest easier knowing you have someone fighting for your rights. 

License Suspension and a Washington DUI

In the state of Washington, a DUI or DWI charge refers to ‘Driving under the influence’ or ‘driving while intoxicated.’ There may be a distinction between DUI and DWI in some states, but in Washington, they refer to the same charges. According to RCW 46.61.502, a DUI includes the following:

• Driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any other drug 
• A blood alcohol level of .08 within 2 hours of driving
• A THC concentration of 5.00 or higher per blood analysis

You will likely hear about or encounter two types of license suspension when facing a DUI charge in Washington. Speaking with an attorney will provide you with the most clarity on your specific case, but the information below will give you an idea of what to expect. An administrative suspension is inevitable, but you may be able to avoid further suspensions depending on the outcome of your case or what negotiations are made. 

Administrative Suspension

When you are arrested for a DUI, your license is immediately suspended in an administrative suspension. This happens no matter what and is called in by the officer when you are stopped. According to the Washington Department of Licensing source cited above, your administrative suspension begins at the time of the stop, and you have seven days from your arrest to request a hearing for review of your suspension. 

Challenging your suspension within seven days is crucial. The arresting officer may provide the form to a DUI hearing, or it may be sent through other channels. Failing to do so may result in your license being suspended for at least 90 days and possibly two years.

The cost for the hearing is $375, but if you are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for financial assistance when requesting and preparing for a driver’s hearing in Washington state. You can expect this to be a phone call where the evidence against you is presented, and you have the right to object and explain your legal reasoning. Because of this, having a DUI attorney represent you for the call can provide a considerable benefit. 

Suspension After Conviction

If you are convicted of a DUI, there are set minimums for your sentence. In the case of any conviction, you may be subject to fines or jail time in addition to license suspension or revocation. The sentencing guidelines are as follows:

• First offense: 90-day suspension
• Second offense: 2 year suspension
• Third and subsequent offense: 3 years

The duration of your suspension may vary at sentencing depending on the facts of your case, any aggravating factors, and your prior convictions. Based on these factors, you may be sentenced to up to 4 years of a suspended license. However, you may be credited any days your license was suspended on an administrative suspension. 

Alternative License Options

You may sometimes be eligible for a restricted license or an Ignition Interlock License. These options are available to those who qualify based on different circumstances or factors. To qualify for an ignition interlock driver’s license (IIL), you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Arrest or conviction of DUI or physical control involving substances, reckless driving, vehicular assault involving drugs or alcohol, or homicide involving drugs or alcohol.
• You must have an unexpired WA driver’s license or a valid out-of-state license.
• Your current suspension or revocation may not include a minor in possession.
• Your current suspension does not include habitual traffic offender

In addition to meeting the criteria, you must apply for your IIL device and license and pay all associated fees. Financial assistance is available for those who meet the criteria. The device must be installed on any car you drive, and you must be willing to submit to and pass breath tests through the device to start or continue to operate the vehicle. 

Restricted License

If you require a car to maintain the basic functions of your life, like work, legal, medical, or drug and alcohol treatment-related appointments, the restricted license may benefit you. For many drivers facing DUI charges, a restricted license in Washington state can substantially ease the stress of waiting on the legal process. Most people don’t have the luxury of paying for rideshare services for all of their needs or just not going out without a ride, and requiring this may cause unnecessary hardship. 

If you obtain a restricted license, this may put requirements on where and when you can drive. This may include only work, school, and back or only between certain hours. In some cases, stipulations may also be put in place on how much time you are allowed to drive per day. This type of license is not necessarily meant to relieve you of the consequences of your suspended license from a DUI but to avoid adding additional significant factors like job loss or untreated medical conditions. 

Managing Your Washington DUI 

Coping with a DUI charge can be extremely difficult, and this is only exacerbated by the inability to continue your daily life while you wait for your trial or plea agreement. We know this is a stressful and vulnerable time at Puget Law Group. When you work with us to represent you, we will endeavor to secure the best possible outcome for your case. 

When you’re faced with the uncertainty of DUI charges, you can feel unsure of where to turn or how to know if the DUI defense attorney you speak with is reliable. If you are still unsure after speaking with us during a free case consultation, you don’t have to look further than our client testimonials to see that we value respect and communication with our clients. Don’t risk your future by trying to handle your DUI charges alone.