Will I go to jail if I get a DUI? How long is jail time on a DUI?
In Washington, DUI is usually charged as a gross misdemeanor. That means is carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, $5000 in fines, and up to 5 years of probation. Washington lawmakers have also required a minimum sentence that will be applied to people who plea or are found guilty of DUI. RCW 46.61.5055
The mandatory minimum sentence depends on a number of factors but the major factors are your blood alcohol content at the time of testing, whether you refused the blood or breath test, and whether you have a previous history that qualifies as a prior offense.
Mandatory Minimum DUI
The following table illustrates the mandatory minimum penalties for most people although there are many exceptions. You should talk to an attorney to get the full picture.
If you have been arrested for DUI, you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. A good attorney, through careful examination, may be able to identify issues in the government’s case that can lead to a reduction of charges or a dismissal of your case.
Will I Go to Jail for a DUI?
In Washington, a plea to DUI includes mandatory jail time. In some cases, this can be avoided by a DUI deferred or a jail alternative. An amendment to reckless driving or a similar lesser charge will not include a mandatory jail term.
This article aims to answer many of the important questions people have about DUI in Seattle. What you need to know about DUI in Seattle:
What is a DUI arraignment? A DUI arraignment is a hearing where a judge will set conditions of release and make sure the defendant understand their rights and the charges against them.
Will I go to jail if I get a DUI? It is possible that a defendant will go to jail for a DUI. In WA, a plea to DUI requires mandatory jail. However, in some cases, the jail confinement can be substituted for another type of confinement, such as home confinement. An amendment to a lesser charge may avoid the jail requirement.
Can I get a DUI under 0.08 BAC? Yes, it is possible to be charged with DUI in WA at less than 0.08 blood alcohol content. This usually occurs where a controlled substance or prescription drug is involved. It may also occur where someone is alleged to be “appreciably affected” by alcohol.
If you have been charged with a DUI in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County or surrounding areas, you should contact a Washington DUI Lawyer.