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Driving Under the Influence: Penalties & Related Charges
The following table is an overview of possible penalties for first time DUI offenders, including possible amended charges. It is not uncommon for a first offense DUI (depending on jurisdiction and the facts of your case) to be reduced to Reckless Driving or Negligent Driving-1st Degree. Many jurisdictions, including Snohomish County, publish standards for their prosecutors to follow when making initial plea offers. Be aware that a case filed as a DUI then amended to one of these offenses will count as a prior offense, if the individual commits another DUI within 7 years. Also, in very rare cases does the offer get any worse after investigation and negotiation. When evidentiary issues or other factors diminish the strength of the State’s case it may even be possible to negotiate a plea to Reckless Endangerment, Negligent Driving-2nd Degree, “Baby DUI,” or better.
| Maximum Sentence | Mandatory Minimums | License Restrictions | Other Requirements | |
| DUI – 1st Offense (BAC < 0.15%) |
365 days jail $5000 fine 5 yrs probation |
1 day jail $350 fine + costs 6 mo. Probation |
90 day suspension 1 year IID/IIL |
SR 22 Insurance Treatment/VIP Man. Conditions |
| DUI – 1st Offense (BAC >= 0.15% or test “refusal”) |
365 days jail $5000 fine 5 yrs probation |
2 day jail $500 fine + costs 6 mo. Probation |
1 year suspension (refusal=2 years) 1 year IID/IIL |
SR 22 Insurance Treatment/VIP Man. Conditions |
| Reckless Driving |
365 days jail $5000 fine 2 yrs probation |
NONE | 30 days (occup. license) |
SR 22 Insurance |
| Neg. Driving 1° |
90 days jail $1000 fine 2 yrs probation |
NONE | NONE | SR 22 Insurance |
| Neg. Driving 2º | Civil Infraction | NONE | NONE | NONE |
| Reckless Endangerment | 365 days jail $5000 fine 2 yrs probation |
NONE | NONE | NONE |
| Physical Control (BAC < 0.15%) |
365 days jail $5000 fine 5 yrs probation |
1 day jail $350 fine + costs 6 mo. probation |
90 days 1 year IID/IIL |
SR 22 Insurance Treatment/VIP Man. Conditions |
| Physical Control (BAC >= 0.15% or test “refusal”) |
365 days jail $5000 fine 5 yrs probation |
2 days jail $500 fine + cost 6 mo. probation |
1 year lic. susp. (refusal=2 years) 1 year IID/IIL |
SR 22 Insurance Treatment/VIP Man. Conditions |
| Minor DUI – 1st (Under 21 & BAC = .02-.08) |
90 days jail $1000 fine 2 yrs probation |
NONE | 90 days (or 18 YO if intermediate license holder) | SR 22 Insurance |
Contact Snohomish County DUI defense attorney Scott W. Lawrence (425) 488-8481 to arrange for a free consultation and discuss the many options for your case.
