Under current Washington state laws, a first DUI is a gross misdemeanor; the harshest penalty someone with no priors can expect is a year’s suspension of their license, a fine of $5,000, and jail time of up to a year.

However, like many criminal convictions, the penalties get substantially more punitive for repeat offenders—and they could get even more severe.

In Washington, Five Makes a Felony

Last year, lawmakers in the State Senate pushed to increase the punishment for a fourth DUI within 10 years to a felony; currently, the law states that fewer than five DUIs in 10 years is still considered a gross misdemeanor. By comparison, in Idaho, the number is three; a felony DUI in Idaho is punishable by a $5,000 fine, a maximum of five years in jail, or both.

That bill did not pass—and this year, House Representatives are trying it again, but with an even more harsh penalty.

Repeat Offenders Could See Harsher DUI Laws

House Bill 2280 would require that not only is a fourth DUI conviction within 10 years considered to be a felony, it would also upgrade the severity to a Class B felony, rather than a Class C felony.

The difference is stark; in Seattle, a Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Punishment for a Class B felony is literally twice that—which means it a fourth arrest in 10 years could result in a fine of $20,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both.

The bill has already unanimously passed the House and is now headed to the Senate, where it’s expected to get support; State Senators on both sides of the aisle led last year’s charge to make elevate a fourth DUI conviction to a felony.

If You’ve Been Charged with a DUI in Seattle, Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws

The expert defense team at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC vigorously defend the rights of individuals facing a multitude of charges in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form to get more information or to get a free case review!