DUI Limits for Alcohol and Marijuana

Washington State DUI laws set the legal limit for alcohol .08. This alcohol limit is based on nearly 100 years of medical research. Then about ten years ago as Washington State moved to legalize marijuana, the DUI laws were changed to add a legal limit for marijuana...

In the news: Kitsap County DUI Breath Tests

Most DUI investigations end with law enforcement asking for an alcohol breath test at the police station. The breath test program in Washington State is strictly regulated because just being accused of DUI can have serious consequences, including being booked into...

DUI Last Night… Is My License Valid Today?

When a DUI arrest occurs in Washington State folks do NOT immediately lose their driver’s license. The key word is “immediately.” Many people face a license suspension starting 30 days after their DUI arrest, but doesn’t start right away. Confusion about the timing of...

Determining DUI Offense Level: Step Two

Determining DUI Offense Level: Step Two Folks who get a first offense DUI often face another DUI later in life. An old misdemeanor DUI will most likely count as a prior offense sentence enhancer if it’s within seven years of the new Washington State DUI. Sometimes...

Determining DUI Offense Level: Step One

Washington State DUI law sets mandatory minimum penalties for convictions. The law also sets sentencing enhancements, or higher penalties, when folks have other DUI’s within 7 years. To determine whether a misdemeanor DUI is a first, second or third offense you must...

What is a DUI First Appearance?

A DUI charge In Spokane, Washington will normally lead to a First Appearance court hearing within a few weeks of the arrest. During this hearing the judge will recite your constitutional rights and the potential consequences of a DUI conviction, which may include jail...

One DUI Charge. Two Separate Cases

A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge in Spokane or anywhere in Washington State will most likely lead to two separate cases: a criminal DUI charge in court and a separate Department of Licensing (DOL) administrative case. These truly are two different and...

What are the penalties for a First DUI?

DUI convictions have a wide range of penalties. Everyone accused of a DUI in Washington State is at risk of: Jail time, Fines, fees and court costs, Loss of driver license, Installing the ignition interlock device, Paying high automobile insurance rates, Attendance at...

What does First Offense DUI Mean?

Most DUI’s in Washington State are misdemeanors and have a 7 year look back period to determine whether it’s a first offense. An old DUI or Physical Control arrest might count as a prior offense or “sentence enhancer” for a new DUI arrest if the old arrest occurred...

Do I have to do Roadside DUI Tests?

Roadside DUI tests or Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) are supposed to be voluntary. Even if you refuse them, law enforcement can still arrest you for DUI if they observe other signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Recently, a high profile Spokane Resident was arrested for...