If you were convicted of driving while intoxicated (DUI) and lost your license as a result, you undoubtedly have questions about how to regain it. Being without a driver’s license can have a significant negative influence on your life throughout most of Washington. There are a number of ways to reclaim the right to drive, and an experienced Washington DUI lawyer can give you advice on your particular situation.
This is a quick summary of how to get your driving privileges back. The best course of action for you will, however, depend on the specifics of your DUI accusation.
How Long Does Your License Get Suspended For A DUI In Washington State?
If you are found guilty of DUI in Washington state, the court may sentence you to jail time and fines. Additionally, the Washington Department of Licensing will impose its own sanctions. When deciding what punishments to impose, it will take into account the number of DUI convictions the driver has received as well as the circumstances of the most recent arrest.
The driver receives news of their license suspension following an arrest for DUI. This might range from a two-year penalty to a minimum of 90 days. The defendant has seven days from the time of the arrest to obtain a hearing if they want the court to review their suspension. The suspension of the driver’s license will start 60 days following the occurrence involving the DUI.
Your Washington DUI attorney will give you guidance on completing the online hearing request form. If your income falls below the state’s poverty line, be prepared to submit an Application for DUI Indigent Waiver or pay the $375 charge.
How Do I Get My Suspended License Back In Washington State?
Following a DUI conviction and once the required suspension term has passed, you are qualified to have your license reinstated. You must provide evidence of your financial ability to cover any harm you may cause while driving in order to do this. The SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility is a legal document.
There are three types of acceptable responsibility documentation. Here are some of them:
- SR22 insurance is a policy written by an insurance company to demonstrate to the state of Washington that you can pay for any damages you may be responsible for in a future car accident.
- Certificate of deposit is a certificate that demonstrates that you have at least $60,000 for the purpose of paying for any future car accident damages for which you are liable.
- Liability bond is a $60,000 liability bond available from a surety or bonding company authorized to operate in Washington. It may act as proof of financial responsibility if you are responsible for future auto accidents.
Usually, you have three years from the day your license is reinstated to carry SR22. You must pay a $75 fee to regain your driving rights after submitting the certificate of financial responsibility. There can also be additional expenses for you to cover. You are free to get further information by contacting the Washington Department of Licensing, but your DUI lawyer will be aware of what they might be.
How Do You Get Around A Suspended License?
The possibility of receiving an Occupational Restricted License (ORL) exists. You will be able to use this to drive to and from work, school, and other areas as judged necessary. With this kind of license, you are only permitted to drive in specific places and at specific hours. You must pay a $100 application fee and any potential additional costs in order to submit an ORL.
The cost of an ignition interlock device (IID) may be one of these fees. Before turning on the car, the driver must blow into this gadget. The vehicle won’t start unless the driver blows a 0.025.
The installers of IIDs are listed by the Washington State Patrol. The vendor will provide verification once yours is mounted in your car. Any vehicle you drive must have this device installed. Even if it is costly, it is a tiny fee to pay to keep traveling to and from work or school.
How Do I Clear My Driving Record In Washington State?
Unfortunately, a conviction for driving while intoxicated stays forever on your driving record in the state of Washington. There are options for removing more offenses from your record. The state wants to make sure that prior convictions are obvious if a driver is charged with DUI many times.
Therefore, there is no chance of having DUIs erased. Because of this, we firmly advise hiring a successful, knowledgeable DUI attorney in Washington to make sure that every effort is taken to first lower the charge of a DUI. One of the hardest consequences of a DUI may be the fact that it stays on a person’s criminal record.
A DUI can make it challenging to find work, find housing, qualify for student loans, and even conflict with child custody. Your response to a recent DUI arrest can have a significant impact on your future.
