If you have been charged with a DUI in Washington State, you will want to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney. Your lawyer can help work on your defense and possibly seek a reduced charge.

The consequences of a DUI conviction -- even a first-time DUI conviction -- are serious. Some of the penalties that you face include:

• Jail Time. You could face up to 364 days in jail. In addition, there may be a mandatory minimum of one day jail time.
• Monetary Fines. You face up to a $5,000 fine. The minimum fine is $940.50 plus you may have to pay other fees.
• License Suspension. You could lose your license for 90 days.
• Ignition Interlock Device. You will have to install an ignition interlock device into your car for at least one year. These devices are inconvenient and expensive to maintain.

The above just represent the baseline penalties that you may face. If your blood alcohol level is above 0.15 percent (or if you refused to take the blood alcohol test), you could face even more severe penalties including a mandatory minimum two-day jail sentence, higher fines, and possible two-year license revocation if you refused the blood alcohol test.

Besides criminal penalties, you should know that there are other negative consequences that can arise from a DUI conviction. For example, if your employment depends upon driving, you could lose your job. The conviction may also stay on your criminal record and show up on all future background checks. Furthermore, you could see a significant increase in auto insurance rates.

Contact a Seattle DUI Attorney

If you need assistance with a DUI case, you should talk to an experienced attorney. A lawyer at Wolff Criminal Defense can help evaluate your case and explain to you your options. Contact us at 425-284-2000 to learn more.