Being charged with a DUI can be extremely frightening, financially stressful, and damaging to one’s reputation and freedom. In the state of Washington, the punishment for DUI generally includes fines, jail time, and other restrictions such as license suspension and probation. Depending on the number of DUI charges you have already received, and depending on the circumstances of your DUI incident, your punishment may vary in severity.

What affects my punishment?

There are a number of factors that play a role in the severity of one’s DUI penalty, including the following:

• Number of previous DUI convictions
• Blood alcohol content level
• Amount of property damage
• Any injuries or death to another party
• Whether or not you are a minor

Those convicted with DUI will be required to submit to a number of penalties. All DUI offenders must spend anywhere from one to 120 days in jail, pay up to several thousand dollars in fines, obtain SR-22 insurance, submit to several years’ probation, install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles, and take alcohol treatment courses.

Of course, if another party suffers bodily harm or is killed, or if significant property damage results, then the charge becomes a felony and the penalties are drastically increased.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with DUI and are not sure what to do next, the Seattle DUI defense lawyers of Cowan Kirk Gaston can help. Contact our offices today at 1-866-822-1230 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.