Are You Worried About A Suspended Washington Drivers License?
Since January 1, 1999, Washington has had one of the strictest DUI laws in the country when it lowered the legal blood alcohol limit to .08 and authorized immediate license suspension for those failing the breath test, and required ignition interlocks on all drunk drivers' vehicles. The DUI laws work hand in hand with the new "Driving While License Suspended" (DWLS) Impound Law also being enforced as of January 1, 1999, in Seattle and other jurisdictions across the State, which authorizes the immediate impoundment of a suspended driver's car.
"If you 'Booze and cruise, you lose your license . . . and then your car'.", says Seattle City Attorney Mark Sidran.
The revocation period for those who refuse is always longer than for those who are tested and fail. This administrative license suspension action is totally separate from the criminal charge the person may face, which may result in other consequences and conditions on top of the administrative loss of license.
Criminal Defense to Prevent Driver's License Suspensions
If you are worried about a suspended driver's license, having a Seattle Washington criminal defense attorney provide you with experienced legal advice is critical. Even a first-time DUI offender, who fails or refuses the BAC breath test, can have their driver's license suspended in Washington. Suspensions in Washington State range from 90 days for a first-time offender to four years for certain repeat offenders. These administrative sanctions are imposed in addition to any license suspension or revocation period ordered by the court following a DUI conviction.
Washington law includes assessment and treatment as critical part of the intervention offenders face if convicted. In addition to giving the court the authority to require assessment and refer offenders to treatment, the Department of Licensing is prohibited from reinstating the license of persons who don't get assessed and complete the education or treatment the assessment requires.
If You Have a Suspended Washington Drivers License
If you have been sanctioned by the DOL (Department of Licensing) and have a suspended Washington driver's license as a result of a DUI, there are new laws that went into effect on June 10, 2004. The laws affecting a revoked Washington driver's license say that individuals may qualify for a special license that will permit driving to and from the following locations:
- Work
- School
- Medical care for yourself or a dependant
- Substance abuse treatment
- Performing court ordered community service
The new license is called an Occupational / Restricted License (ORL). Generally, the new ORLs will be available after 30 days on first-time DUIs and after a year on second and subsequent DUIs. Eligibility after a refusal, whether it is on a first time criminal conviction or administrative hearing determination, will be after 90 days. Prior to getting an ORL, you must have proof of financial responsibility. The easiest and most common way to go about this is by getting a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) issued by your insurance agent. You will also need to provide proof that you have installed an ignition interlock device on at least one of your vehicles. The application fee for an ORL is $100.00. The entire application process takes approximately seven to ten days, assuming all of your paperwork is submitted properly. An individual driving on an out-of-state license is also eligible for an ORL once the minimum period of suspension has passed.
"Let My Extensive Experience as a Former Prosecutor Work For You."
Our firm will fight the DOL for you to help to maintain your driving privileges. At the Law Offices of Steve Karimi, we are quite successful at representing our clients and eliminating the driver's license suspensions and representing your legal interests if your Washington driver's license has been suspended. Please call or contact our Seattle Washington criminal defense law firm. You'll get a criminal defense attorney who will do whatever it takes to get a favorable outcome for his clients.
