Washington has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A driver can face both administrative and criminal penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) is responsible for imposing administrative penalties, which often include a 90-day license suspension and the installation of an ignition interlock device. If convicted in court, a defendant could also face additional criminal penalties such as jail time, exorbitant fines, electronic home monitoring, and mandatory participation in a 90-day sobriety program. Also, any arrests, charges, and convictions are included in a defendant’s criminal record. The existence of a criminal record can affect a person’s ability to obtain gainful employment, apply for loans, and even purchase or rent property.
If you’re arrested and charged with a DUI offense in 2019, it’s imperative that you retain quality legal representation as soon as possible. At DUIHeroes, our trial-tested DUI attorneys in Lynnwood know that a positive case outcome can only be achieved by staying up-to-date on fluctuating DUI laws and policies. For example, as of January 1, 2019, the DOL has implemented new changes per WAC statutes 308-103-010 through 308-101-260 that could impact the outcome of your case and ultimately restrict your driving privileges.
It’s important to be aware of these updated DOL policies:
- The DOL only provides 5-days’ notice of your hearing
- Your license can be suspended within 30 days of your arrest if you fail to respond to this notice
- You need to request a DUI hearing within 7 days of your arrest
- Mailed requests must be postmarked within 7 days of the receipt notification
- The DOL hearing will be held within 30 days of the DOL receiving your formal request
Of course, penalties of a DUI conviction can vary based on your personal criminal history and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. You’ll likely face harsher administrative and criminal penalties if your actions injured or endangered the lives of others.
Retain Experienced Legal Representation
At DUIHeroes, we keenly understand that your future and freedom are on the line. Fortunately, our experienced legal team is solely dedicated to defending clients facing DUI and DUI-related charges. For this reason, our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of applicable state and federal laws. We even hire a private investigator – at no charge to our clients – to help us thoroughly examine all aspects and angles of a case. By listening to your story and analyzing your legal options, we can develop a customized defense strategy that protects your rights and achieves your legal objectives.
Contact DUIHeroes at (425) 296-9358 to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.