Repeat DUI Defense Lawyer in Seattle

If you have been arrested for a second, third, or subsequent DUI in Seattle, the penalties you face are significantly more severe than a first offense. Washington law increases jail time, fines, and license revocation periods with each prior DUI conviction.

You also have only 20 days from the date of arrest to request a Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing to challenge your administrative license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended — even before your criminal case is resolved.

When you are facing a repeat DUI, early legal intervention is critical.

Washington Repeat DUI Penalties (RCW 46.61.5055)

Washington uses a 7-year “prior offense” lookback period for sentencing enhancements. Prior DUI-related convictions dramatically increase mandatory minimum penalties.

Second DUI (Within 7 Years)

BAC Under 0.15%

  • Minimum 30 days jail
  • Additional electronic home monitoring
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • 2-year license revocation

BAC 0.15% or Higher / Test Refusal

  • Minimum 45 days jail
  • Additional electronic home monitoring
  • Longer license revocation (up to 3 years for refusal)

Third DUI (Within 7 Years)

BAC Under 0.15%

  • Minimum 90 days jail
  • Extended electronic monitoring
  • 3-year license revocation

BAC 0.15% or Higher / Test Refusal

  • Minimum 120 days jail
  • Extended monitoring requirements
  • Up to 4-year license revocation

When Does DUI Become a Felony in Washington?

A DUI becomes a Class B felony if:

  • You have four or more prior DUI-related offenses within 10 years, OR
  • You have a prior conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular assault involving DUI.

Felony DUI carries the possibility of state prison time and long-term license revocation.

Additional Consequences of Repeat DUI

  • Mandatory ignition interlock device installation
  • Alcohol or drug treatment requirements
  • Probation supervision
  • Substantial insurance increases
  • Impact on employment and professional licensing

The more prior offenses you have, the less flexibility a judge has in sentencing. Many penalties are mandatory minimums.

Defending a Repeat DUI in Seattle

Even if you have prior DUI convictions, the State must still prove the new charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Defenses may include:

  • Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
  • Attacking breath or blood test reliability
  • Questioning field sobriety procedures
  • Constitutional violations

Attorney Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor who understands how repeat DUI cases are built — and how to challenge weaknesses in the State's evidence. With serious mandatory penalties at stake, strategic defense is essential.

Call a Seattle Repeat DUI Defense Attorney Today

Second and third DUI charges carry life-altering consequences. Do not assume your outcome is predetermined.

Call 206-222-3280 now for a free consultation. Available 24/7.