Second Offense DUI in Washington

In Washington, a DUI (driving under the influence) is generally considered a "second offense" when the motorist has one prior DUI conviction that occurred within the past seven years. This article discusses some of the consequences of a second-offense DUI in Washington.

How Washington Defines "Driving Under the Influence"

Washington defines DUI as driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while:

• impaired by drugs or alcohol to an extent that your "ability to drive a motor vehicle is lessened in any appreciable degree" (an "impairment" DUI)
• having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater (a "per se" DUI), or
• having a concentration of five nanograms or more of THC (the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) per milliliter of blood (a "per se marijuana" DUI).

DUI offenses based on impairment (drugs or alcohol), THC concentration, and BACs under .15% typically carry the lowest penalties. DUI offenders who refused chemical testing (blood or breath) in violation of Washington's implied consent laws or had a BAC of .15% or greater generally face more severe consequences.

Administrative Penalties

"Administrative penalties" are those imposed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Some administrative consequences are triggered by the arrest and apply even if the defendant is never actually convicted of a DUI in criminal court. For a second DUI, the administrative penalties include:

• Per se marijuana and per se alcohol. Second offenders who are caught driving with a BAC of .08% or more or with a THC concentration of at least five nanograms per milliliter of blood typically face a two-year license suspension.
• Chemical-test refusals. Second offenders who refuse chemical testing generally face an administrative license suspension of two years or until the driver reaches the age of 21, whichever is longer.

The Department of Licensing also requires all motorists convicted of a second-offense DUI—regardless of when the prior offense occurred—to have ignition interlock devices (IIDs) on their vehicles for at least five years. And DUI second offenders who had a passenger under the age of 16 in their vehicle at the time of their offense are required to have IIDs for at least five-and-a-half years.

Criminal Penalties

"Criminal penalties" are those imposed by a criminal court following a DUI conviction. For a second DUI, the criminal penalties include:

• Per se marijuana, per se alcohol with BAC under .15%, and impairment DUIs. Motorists who are convicted of a per se marijuana, per se alcohol with a BAC under .15%, or an impairment second-offense DUI are typically guilty of a "gross misdemeanor." Convicted drivers generally face 30 to 364 days in jail and 60 days of electronic home monitoring (EHM). In lieu of EHM, the judge can order four days jail time or six months in a "24/7 Sobriety Program." The criminal penalties also include $500 to $5,000 in fines and fees and a two-year license suspension.
• Chemical-test refusals and BACs of .15% or greater. Motorists who are convicted of a second-offense DUI involving a chemical test refusal or BAC of .15% or greater are typically guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Convicted drivers generally face 45 to 364 days in jail and 90 days of EHM. In lieu of EHM, the court can impose at least another six days in jail and sixth months in a 24/7 program. The criminal penalties also include $750 to $5,000 in fines and fees and a 900-day license suspension.

Depending on the circumstances, a judge might also order a DUI offender to participate in an educational or substance abuse treatment program. And for any second offender who had a passenger under the age of 16 at the time of the offense, the judge must impose an additional five days in jail and increase the fines and fees to $2,000 to $5,000. Vehicle seizure is also a possibility when a motorist is convicted of a second DUI in Washington.

Getting Legal Help

Washington DUI law is complex, and the facts of every case are different. If you've been arrested for driving under the influence, talk to an experienced DUI attorney in your area. A qualified DUI lawyer can tell you how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on the best course of action.