Washington DUI Laws and Penalties 2025 – All You Need to Know

Were You Arrested for Drinking and Driving?

Are you facing charges for driving under the influence in the State of Washington? If so, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Peters Associates, LLC. Our lead counsel has represented numerous clients facing first-time and repeat DUI charges as a DUI lawyer in Kirkland. He’ll put his legal know-how to work on your behalf. Our legal team can help you understand Washington DUI laws and penalties so you are informed about the decisions you make in consultation with our law firm.

Learn About DUI Laws in the State of Washington

In the State of Washington, you may be charged with drunk driving if you’re found to have been impaired or to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

0.08% for those 21 years old and over.
0.04% for those operating a commercial vehicle.
0.02% for those younger than 21 years old.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, call Peters Associates at 425-504-7684 to request a free consultation.

What are the Penalties for a DUI in Washington?

If you’re convicted of a DUI involving a BAC of 0.15% or less – and you’ve had no prior convictions within seven years – you could face up to:

• 90-day driver’s license suspension.
• Up to 364 days in jail.
• $940 to $5,000 in fines.

The penalties are more severe for those who refuse a chemical test and harsher still for those with prior DUI convictions on their record.

Understanding Washington’s Suspended License Laws

Losing your driving privileges can lead to additional hardships. Having a suspended license can make getting to and from work challenging. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you could face additional consequences. In Washington, there are two types of license suspensions. One is automatic and results from being charged with a DUI.

Without quick action, your license could be suspended within seven days of your arrest. You can argue against suspension by requesting a hearing. At the hearing, you have the right to be represented by an attorney.

If the examiner makes a ruling in your favor, you can retain your driving privileges as your criminal case plays out. If you do not request a hearing or the examiner makes a ruling against you, your license will be suspended from three months to two years. A DUI conviction can also lead to a lengthy suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license.

The Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Beyond fines and potential jail time, a DUI conviction can harm your future employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks before hiring anyone. They may see your criminal conviction as a sign that you are not an ideal candidate for their company. You will also have to contend with high insurance rates. Insurance carriers may refuse to renew your coverage.

A DUI conviction could also have implications for your private life. If you share child custody with your former spouse, a DUI could be used in family court against you. A conviction for DUI can also strain personal and familial relationships. People may no longer trust you to drive their children, and they may question your judgment in general.

Depending on where you work, a DUI conviction can impact your current professional license or attempts to obtain a new license. Multiple DUIs can lead to a felony conviction that can carry harsher penalties and a strong societal stigma. Fighting DUI charges offers one means of avoiding these long-term and potentially life-altering consequences that can follow a DUI conviction.

Suppose you are facing charges for a DUI, whether your first or subsequent. It is imperative that you seek the assistance of an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. The outcome of your charges can have a lasting impact on your future. Working with an attorney ensures that you receive the protection you need to help ensure that your rights are protected and that the charges against you did not violate those rights.

FAQs About Washington DUI Laws and Penalties

Schedule Your DUI Criminal Charge Consultation Today

DUI charges are a serious matter that requires strong legal representation. With representation from Peters Associates, LLC, you can fight your charges with the help of our attorneys. Our criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience helping clients, and we’ve been defending DUI defendants since 2005. We understand the state’s DUI laws and how to leverage our knowledge and experience in defense of our clients.

Quickly acting can improve your chances for a favorable outcome to your case. We can work quickly to review the prosecution’s evidence and gather new evidence to support your case. At every step, we’ll keep you updated about your case and carefully inform you about the potential outcomes that could result from the decisions you make. Don’t delay preparing your defense. Contact Peters Associates, LLC today to schedule your criminal defense consultation.