Spokane DUI Lawyer

Washington DUI Penalties & Sentencing Factors

DUI penalties in Spokane can include jail, fines, fees, license consequences, probation conditions, alcohol assessment or treatment requirements, and installation of an ignition interlock device. The criminal court case and Department of Licensing action are separate matters. The consequences that may apply depend on the test result, a test refusal, prior offenses, aggravating circumstances, the court, and current Washington law.

Sentencing isn’t the same for every first, second, or later DUI allegation. Mandatory minimum confinement, financial penalties, electronic home monitoring or sobriety-program alternatives in some circumstances, and ignition interlock requirements can vary based on the facts and prior-offense history. A licensing suspension or revocation may also have its own deadlines and procedures through the Washington Department of Licensing.

Factors such as an accident, a passenger under 16, test results, and a record of qualifying prior offenses can affect how a case is evaluated. Spokane County courts may require alcohol assessment, education, treatment, or monitoring as part of a court order or case resolution. We review the available information, explain the potential consequences, and address defense options at each stage of the case.

You can also read about our underage DUI cases defense here.

Is a DUI a Felony in Washington?

In Washington, a standard DUI charge is generally a misdemeanor unless statutory felony conditions apply. Felony DUI can include cases involving three or more qualifying prior offenses within 15 years under RCW 46.61.502, as well as matters connected to vehicular assault or vehicular homicide. A prior charge, conviction, reduced disposition, or out-of-state offense may be treated differently under Washington law, so the record requires a careful review rather than an assumption based only on the number of arrests.

Sealing & Expunging a DUI in Washington

Record relief for a DUI-related matter depends on the offense, case disposition, court requirements, subsequent history, and current Washington law. An arrest, dismissal, deferred prosecution, conviction, and reduced charge can each present different questions. Terms such as vacating, sealing, and expunging don’t necessarily mean the same thing or provide the same level of record access.

We handle post-conviction relief as part of our criminal defense practice and can assess the specific record at issue. Before relying on general information about record relief, it’s important to review the charging document, disposition, court history, and any later criminal history.

Contact us to discuss whether current Washington law provides a form of record relief for your DUI-related case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Soon Should I Contact a DUI Attorney after an Arrest in Spokane?

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. A DUI can involve time-sensitive court and Department of Licensing issues, including a hearing request deadline that may affect the administrative license action. Early review also gives us an opportunity to gather documents and evaluate the stop, arrest, and testing process.

How Is the Department of Licensing Case Different From the Criminal DUI Case?

The Department of Licensing process addresses your driving privileges, while the criminal case addresses the DUI charge and potential court-imposed penalties. These proceedings follow separate procedures and deadlines, and the outcome of one doesn’t necessarily determine the outcome of the other. The available response depends on the arrest facts, test results, prior offenses, and current law.

Will I Have to Appear in Spokane Court for a DUI Case?

You may need to attend one or more court appearances, beginning with an initial appearance or arraignment. The court depends on the charging jurisdiction, and the number of hearings depends on how the case proceeds. We explain the scheduled proceedings, prepare you for appearances, and discuss the issues that may need to be addressed.

Are There Local Resources for Alcohol Assessment or Treatment in Spokane?

Alcohol assessment or treatment may be required by a court order, sentencing condition, deferred prosecution, or other case-specific arrangement. The appropriate provider and documentation requirements depend on the circumstances and applicable rules. We can discuss what the court or Department of Licensing may require and the records you may need to provide.

Talk with Our Spokane DUI Attorney

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Washington, bring the arrest paperwork, court notices, test information, and any Department of Licensing documents to your case review. Douglas Phelps has more than 20 years of legal experience, and our team has handled hundreds of trials. We can review the criminal case, licensing exposure, evidence, and available defense options with you.

Contact Phelps & Associates today or call (509) 620-0606 to schedule a FREE consultation with our drunk driving lawyer in Spokane.