After a DUI arrest in Washington State, there will be mandatory court dates and an automatic driver’s license suspension (unless you contest it) with the Department of Licensing (DOL). DOL consequences are independent of anything that occurs during the DUI criminal case. Quick Guide for Contesting a DUI License Suspension From the date of arrest, you have 20 days to …

In Washington State, a person is guilty of Reckless Driving if that person “drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” The charge is considered to be a criminal traffic offense. Reckless Driving is a gross misdemeanor and if convicted, there is a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine. …

In Washington State, DUI penalties are enhanced for drivers who refuse to take a breath test at the police station. Under the Implied Consent Law, a person who drives within WA State is considered to have consented to a blood or breathalyzer test if he or she is arrested for DUI. The intent of the statute is that the breath or blood …

In Washington State, it is a crime for a person who is under the age of 21 to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 or over. The crime is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. If convicted, a person will face the maximum penalties and may be required to …

Some people think that a driver who tested positive for alcohol on a roadside breathalyzer has to be drunk. Those machines never lie! Well think again, there are many variables that can influence a breathalyzer test and result in a false positive outcome. 1) The breathalyzer must be properly maintained and calibrated. An improperly maintained or calibrated breathalyzer casts doubt …