What Are The Penalties Associated With DUI Convictions?
Washington has mandatory minimum jail times for DUI offenses, with a sentencing grid based upon prior offenses within the last seven years.
For a first-offense DUI when the driver-tested over 0.15, or refused a test, the typical jail sentence is 48 consecutive hours, combined with a fine of about $1,200 and a one-year or two-year license revocation. For cases with DUI test results under a 0.15, the mandatory minimum sentence is 24 consecutive hours in jail, plus a $991 fine and a 90-day license suspension.
For a second offense within seven years, in cases where the driver-tested over 0.15 or refused a test, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is 45 days plus a driver’s license revocation of 900 days or three years. For cases with a test result under 0.15, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is 30 days, plus a two-year license revocation.
If the arrested driver had two prior offenses within seven years, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is 90 days plus a three-year license suspension. For cases where the driver either refused a DUI test or tested above 0.15, that mandatory minimum sentence jumps to 120 days in jail plus a fine and license revocation.
Additional prior offenses may lead to felony charges.
| BAC less than .15 % <>(Or No Test Result) | No Prior DUI’s within Past 7 Years | One Prior DUI within Past 7 Years | 2 – 3 Priors DUI’s within Past 7 Years |
| Jail Time | 24 hours minimum | at least 30 days | at least 90 days |
| Electronic Detention / Home Confinement | To avoid jail, must serve at least 15 days | 60 days | 120 days |
| Fine / Assessments | $350-$5,000 ($866 total min.) | $500-$5,000 ($1,121 total min.) | $1,000-$5,000 ($1,971 total min.) |
| Suspension / Revocation | 90-Day Suspension | 2-Year Revocation | 3-Year Revocation |
| Ignition Interlock | Required | Required | Required |
| Alcohol / Drug Education or Treatment | Determined By The Court | Determined By The Court | Determined By The Court |
| BAC .15 % or more; Or Test Refusal | No Priors DUI’s within Past 7 Years | One Prior DUI within Past 7 Years | 2 – 3 Priors DUI’s within Past 7 Years |
| Jail Time | 48 hours minimum | at least 45 days | at least 120 days |
| Electronic Detention | To avoid jail, must serve at least 30 days | 90 Days | 150 Days |
| Fine / Assessments | $500-$5,000 ($1,121 total min.) | $750-$5,000 ($,1,546 total min.) | $1,500-$5,000 ($2,821 total min.) |
| Suspension / Revocation | 1-Year Revocation; 2 years if BAC refusal | 900-Day Revocation; 3 years if BAC refusal | 4-Year Revocation |
| Ignition Interlock | Required | Required | Required |
| Alcohol / Drug Education or Treatment | Determined By The Court | Determined By The Court | Determined By The Court |
