In the state of Washington, any individual convicted of a DUI charge can face jail time, penalties, community service, and even license suspension. These penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. If you find that DUI charges have been brought against you following an initial conviction, the legal support and guidance of a Bellevue second, third, and fourth DUI lawyer is essential to fighting these charges and maintaining your freedoms.
Peters Associates, LLC: Defending You in a Second, Third, and Fourth DUI Case
Since 2005, the attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, have served many clients facing first, second, third, and even fourth DUI charges. Our team has vast knowledge of the laws that influence these cases and can review your unique circumstances to determine the right course of action to take in your defense. When you hire the attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC, you can rest assured you have the right team fighting for you.
When you’re faced with subsequent DUI charges in Washington state, the penalties can be severe. These legal matters should not be taken lightly, and the team at Peters Associates, LLC, has the necessary experience to fight these charges and protect your rights, future, and freedoms.
DUIs in Washington
In Washington state, an individual can be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher if they are 21 years or older. If they are operating a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, their BAC can be no higher than 0.04%.
we handle federal drug possession
& Distribution Cases
in Wyoming & the Western District of Washington
We’ll provide a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney from Peters Associates serving Bellevue, WA, Wyoming and throughout King County
Second DUI Charges and Penalties
A second DUI offense occurs when you’re arrested on DUI charges for the second time within a seven-year period. These charges can add to the fines, jail time, or other penalties you’re already facing from your first DUI charge. They can also be detrimental to your personal and professional reputation and cause you financial hardship. The potential penalties for a second DUI charge in Washington state include:
- Jail time of 30 to 364 days, depending on your BAC level
- 60 days of house arrest following a completed jail sentence
- Fines between $500 and $5,000
- Loss of your driver’s license for one to three years
- Having an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in your vehicle for up to five years
- Attending alcohol treatment courses for up to five years
- Probation for up to five years
Third DUI Charges and Penalties
When an individual faces a third DUI offense within seven years, the penalties can increase in severity. In addition to the damage done to your personal and professional reputation, another DUI charge can also impact your employment opportunities. When facing a third DUI charge in Bellevue, Washington, potential penalties can include any combination of the following:
- Jail time between 90 and 364 days, depending on the circumstances of the DUI
- Fines no less than $500 and no more than $5,000
- Six months of 24/7 sobriety monitoring
- 150 days of at-home monitoring
- The installation of an IID
- License suspension
Fourth DUI Charges and Penalties
An individual charged with a fourth DUI in ten years, with three prior DUIs in that period, can face some of the harshest penalties. These charges can be considered felonies and should be taken seriously. Not only can they bring about severe financial hardship, but they can also impact your personal and professional life in devastating ways. The potential penalties for a fourth DUI conviction in Washington state include:
- Years of jail time
- Up to $20,000 in fines
- Mandatory drug or alcohol counseling
- License suspension for up to four years
- Probation
- Court-ordered installation of an IID
In all cases of subsequent DUI charges within a certain time period, it is essential to hire a DUI attorney who understands the nuances of these cases and how to defend you from a potential conviction.
FAQs
A: There are ways in which jail time can be avoided following a second DUI conviction in Washington state. Your attorney might be able to negotiate a lesser sentence, have the case dismissed via pre-trial motions, proceed to a jury trial, and have the jury deem you not guilty, or opt for a Deferred Prosecution with mandatory alcohol treatment.
A: In Washington state, a DUI charge never truly goes away, even after seven years. The DUI conviction can still show up on a background check or on your permanent record. This is why it is so important that you hire an attorney for any DUI charge, as having a conviction on your record could affect your future.
A: It can be difficult to calculate how much a DUI attorney might charge for their services in Washington state. There can be several factors that influence the final costs of these cases. These factors include the overall complexity of the case, whether the case goes to trial, and your attorney’s experience and skill level.
A: By working with an experienced attorney, you may be able to get your DUI charge dismissed in the state of Washington. Your lawyer may be able to accomplish this by effectively arguing your defense. Several defenses may pertain to your case, including police or procedural error, insufficient evidence, or arguing that your constitutional rights were violated during the course of your DUI arrest.
Speak With a DUI Attorney Today
If you are facing a second, third, or fourth DUI charge in Bellevue, Washington, now is not the time to try to fight these charges on your own. You need the legal guidance of an attorney who understands the possible defenses that may work for your case and can successfully negotiate with the prosecution. Contact the team at Peters Associates, LLC, today to learn how we might be of service to you.