Does Washington State permit DUI plea bargains?

In the State of Washington it is possible for a DUI defendant to file a plea bargain for a wet reckless or lesser offense. The most widespread reductions are granted for charges like negligent or reckless driving, also known as reckless endangerment.

The phrase, “wet reckless,” is meant to explain a reduced plea arrangement requested by a driver who was apprehended for driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and the hence the term wet, meaning alcohol. A wet reckless plea usually carries with it fewer punishments, obligations, and costs as compared to a conventional DUI, from the offices where Bellevue, WA DUI Lawyers work.

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The penalties for a DUI in Washington State

Penalties for a first time DUI conviction include jail time of 1 day to 1 year, along with fines ranging from $865 to $5,000 and suspension of the driver’s license from 90 days to a year. The penalties for second time offenders are much harsher, and include jail time between 30 day to 1 year, and fines between $1,000 and $5,000. Those convicted can also lose their driving privileges for at least 2 years in the state of Washington. In addition to fines and jail time, it is also mandatory for the offender to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

Look-back Period: 7 years. This is the duration of time for the prior DUIs to become applicable for sentencing, also known as “washout” period.

BAC for a DUI in Washington State is for those who are under 21 is 0.02 percent, for 21 and older is 0.08 percent and for commercial 0.08 percent.

Refusing to take a chemical test in Washington State

From the mouths of Bellevue DUI attorneys, the state of Washington has adopted the implied consent law which signifies that if a driver declines to undergo a chemical test, he or she will be subjected to a fine as well as immediate suspension of his or her license. The penalties are:

• 1^st Offense: License suspension 1 year
• 2^nd Offense: License suspension 1-2 years
• 3^rd Offense: License suspension 3 years

Advantages of a wet reckless plea

A wet reckless plea has its own advantages. In such a plea the fines tend to be much lower while there is usually no jail time. Besides, the DUI record of the driver is kept clean. However, in case the driver is later arrested for DUI, the “wet reckless” is treated in the manner of a prior-DUI conviction. This means that the latest arrest will be considered as a second DUI offense, along with all the associated penalties, as per Bellevue, Washington DUI attorneys. 

Insurance rates

In the state of Washington, rates of insurance can go higher for any driver who was punished of a wet reckless charge than a DUI, although both categories are termed "high risk drivers”. This is because the statistical information used by insurers reveals that reckless drivers are involved in more accidents as compared to those convicted of a DUI.

Deciding on whether you should accept a DUI plea bargain ought to be left to a strong and respectable Washington State DUI lawyer. Given the harsh penalties and other adverse consequences of drunk driving, it is always wise to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

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