How Will a Seattle DUI Affect My License?
If you have been arrested for DUI in Seattle, you may be asking yourself this question. Unfortunately, there are several ways that a DUI can affect your ability to drive. That is why it is vital for anyone accused of driving under the influence in Washington to call ab experienced attorney right away. Losing your license can seriously affect your ability to get to and from work or school and to care for your family. In order to avoid the negative effects of a DUI conviction, you must get knowledgeable legal representation and fight your charges. Attorney Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor. He understands what it takes to get you a not guilty verdict.
The biggest fear many people have when they are arrested for DUI is that they will lose their ability to drive. There are, in fact, two different ways that a DUI can lead to suspension of your driver's license. They are both explained below.
Administrative License Suspension in Seattle
The first way that a DUI arrest can affect your driver's license is that any arrest that occurs in Washington where a person is accused of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both can lead to administrative license suspension. This suspension is a separate case from your criminal one and requires offenders to take action immediately in order to request a hearing. Anyone arrested for DUI in Seattle must request a hearing in order to fight this suspension within 20 days of their arrest.
During this hearing, your legal representative will contest the administrative license suspension. If they are successful and the hearing examiner rules in your favor, you will avoid the administrative suspension. The results of this hearing do not have an effect on your criminal case. If you are successful in this hearing, you will still face criminal charges and be subject to court ordered license suspension if you are convicted. Likewise, you can be unsuccessful in your hearing and still win your criminal case and avoid additional penalties and license suspension.
If a hearing is not requested or you are unsuccessful in your hearing, you will face 90 to 2 years of administrative license suspension that begins at 60 days after your arrest. Your suspension period depends on whether you have had any prior convictions as well as the circumstances of your arrest. The best way to avoid this suspension is to speak with an experienced Seattle DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Court Order Seattle License Suspension
The second way that a DUI conviction can lead to license suspension in Washington is by court order. If you are convicted of DUI, the Court can, and will, order for your license to be suspended for a certain amount of time. According to Washington law RCW 46.61.5055, the following penalties will be imposed for a DUI conviction:
- If your BAC was less than 0.15 or there were no sobriety test results for reasons other than you refusing a test, the sentencing is as follows:
- First time offense in 7 years: 90 days
- Second offense in 7 years: 2 years
- Third offense in 7 years: 3 years
- If your BAC was 0.15 or more, the following sentencing applies:
- First time offense in 7 years: 1 years
- Second offense in 7 years: 900 days
- Third offense in 7 years: 4 years
- If you refused a chemical sobriety test, the sentencing is as follows:
- First time offense in 7 years: 2 years
- Second offense in 7 years: 3 years
- Third offense in 7 years: 4 years
If you have served any license suspension due to administrative suspension, you will get credit for it taken off of your court-ordered suspension. For example if you serve two months of administrative suspension before your trial and are convicted, you will have 60 days removed from your court ordered suspicion.
In order to avoid this suspension, offenders should fight their charges and try to get a favorable plea bargain or not guilty verdict. The best way to do this is to hire an experienced Seattle DUI lawyer like attorney Steve Karimi.
Getting Your License Back After DUI Suspension
If you have been arrested for DUI in Seattle and are worried about how it could affect your license, contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi today. With the help of a DUI attorney like Steve Karimi, you can fight your charges and avoid license suspension. Additionally, if you are sentenced to license suspension, your attorney can help you install an ignition interlock device which will allow you to drive your vehicle as long as you refrain from consuming alcohol.
For more information on your DUI charges and the possible penalties, contact our office. You can set up free consultation and speak to an experienced attorney. Call us now to get started as immediate action may be necessary.