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A first DUI still carries mandatory jail, mandatory fines, and a license suspension. We help clients understand every consequence and every option to reduce it.
Legally reviewed by Roger Priest · September 24, 2026
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A reduced charge may avoid some DUI-specific mandatory penalties, but the sentence, supervision period, and future vacation eligibility depend on the charge and disposition. No reduction or outcome is guaranteed.
A Washington DUI conviction is not currently eligible to be vacated under RCW 9.96.060. That is more precise than promising that every record consequence is permanent or using “expungement” as if it were the statutory procedure. A reduced charge has its own vacation and record consequences and is not automatically eligible.
For a conviction with no prior offense in seven years, Washington law sets different minimum consequences depending on the test result or refusal. The table summarizes the current statutory categories.
| Consequence with no prior offense in seven years | BAC below 0.15, or no result for a reason other than refusal | BAC 0.15 or higher | Refusal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory minimum jail | 24 consecutive hours | 48 consecutive hours | 48 consecutive hours |
| Statutory alternative the court may order instead of minimum jail | At least 15 days electronic home monitoring or 90 days of 24/7 sobriety monitoring | At least 30 days electronic home monitoring or 120 days of 24/7 sobriety monitoring | At least 30 days electronic home monitoring or 120 days of 24/7 sobriety monitoring |
| Base statutory fine | $350 to $5,000 | $500 to $5,000 | $500 to $5,000 |
| Conviction-based license action | 90-day suspension, subject to the statute's evaluation/monitoring and minimum-duration provisions | One-year revocation, subject to the statute's evaluation/monitoring and minimum-duration provisions | Two-year revocation |
| Ignition interlock | Department rules apply; the first restriction is generally at least one year and can be tolled or extended | Same | Same |
| Suspended confinement and probation conditions | Court may suspend confinement for a period not exceeding five years and impose statutory probation conditions | Same | Same |
| Assessment and treatment | Subject to RCW 46.61.5056 | Same | Same |
These are statutory minimums and base fine ranges, not a complete price or outcome quote. Additional assessments, costs, monitoring, treatment, and case-specific conditions may apply. The criminal case and DOL administrative action are separate.
Under RCW 46.20.3101, a first qualifying test generally produces a 90-day administrative suspension, while a first refusal generally produces a one-year administrative revocation; RCW 46.61.5055 provides day-for-day credit for overlapping action arising from the same incident.
These government sources support the general legal information on this page. The facts and current documents in an individual case control the legal analysis.
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FAQ
The statutory minimum is 24 consecutive hours for a BAC below 0.15, or no result for a reason other than refusal, and 48 consecutive hours for a BAC of 0.15 or higher or a refusal. The court may order the statutory electronic-home-monitoring or 24/7-sobriety alternative instead of the minimum jail.
A Washington DUI conviction is not currently eligible to be vacated under RCW 9.96.060. A reduced charge has its own vacation and record consequences and is not automatically eligible.
It depends on the charge, evidence, test allegation, criminal history, and case-specific circumstances. A reduced charge may avoid some DUI-specific mandatory penalties, but no reduction or outcome is guaranteed.
Contact us
Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.