Washington State uses a structured sentencing grid for DUI offenses, which outlines the penalties based on the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior DUI convictions, and whether any aggravating factors were present.
The grid serves as a guide for judges to issue fair and consistent sentences across cases.
Breakdown of the Sentencing Grid
Here are some basic details about the Washington State sentencing grid for DUIs published by Washington Courts.
First-Time DUI Offense
- BAC 0.08% to 0.14%:
- Jail Time: Minimum 24 consecutive hours (not necessarily one day) up to 364 days. An alternative to jail is 15 days of Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM).
- Fine: $990.50 to $5,000.
- License Suspension: 90-day suspension.
- Additional Penalties: If a passenger under 16 is present, jail time increases by 24 hours, and IID requirements may increase.
- IID: Required as imposed by the Department of Licensing (DOL).
- BAC 0.15% or Higher or Test Refusal:
- Jail Time: 48 consecutive hours to 364 days. Alternatively, 30 days of EHM.
- Fine: $1,245.50 to $5,000.
- License Suspension: One-year suspension if BAC is 0.15% or higher. Two-year suspension if the test is refused.
- IID: Required for a period determined by the DOL.
- Additional Penalties: If a passenger under 16 is present, jail time increases by 24 additional hours, and IID requirements may increase.
Second DUI Offense (Within Seven Years)
- BAC 0.08% to 0.14%:
- Jail Time: 30 to 364 days, plus 60 days of mandatory EHM. Alternatively, at least 4 days in jail plus 180 days of EHM.
- Fine: $1,245.50 to $5,000.
- License Suspension: Two-year revocation.
- IID: Required for a period determined by the DOL.
- Additional Penalties: If a passenger under 16 is present, jail time increases by 5 days, and IID requirements may increase.
- BAC 0.15% or Higher or Test Refusal:
- Jail Time: 45 to 364 days, plus 90 days of EHM. Alternatively, at least 6 days in jail plus 6 months of EHM.
- Fine: $1,670.50 to $5,000.
- License Suspension: 900-day revocation for a BAC of 0.15% or higher; 3-year revocation for test refusal.
- IID: Required for a period determined by the DOL.
- Additional Penalties: If a passenger under 16 is present, jail time increases by 5 days, and IID requirements may increase.
Third DUI Offense (Within Seven Years)
- BAC 0.08% to 0.14%:
- Jail Time: 90 to 364 days, plus 120 days of mandatory EHM. Alternatively, at least 8 days in jail plus 150 days of EHM.
- Fine: $2,095.50 to $5,000.
- License Suspension: Three-year revocation.
- IID: Required for a period determined by the DOL.
- Additional Penalties: If a passenger under 16 is present, jail time increases by 10 days, and IID requirements may increase.
- BAC 0.15% or Higher or Test Refusal:
- Jail Time: 120 to 364 days, plus 150 days of mandatory EHM. Alternatively, at least 10 days in jail plus 180 days of EHM.
- Fine: $2,945.50 to $5,000.
- License Suspension: Four-year revocation for BAC of 0.15% or higher; 4-year revocation for test refusal.
- IID: Required for a period determined by the DOL.
- Additional Penalties: If a passenger under 16 is present, jail time increases by 10 days, and IID requirements may increase.
Facing DUI Charges?
If you’re facing DUI charges, Philip Wakefield of Snohomish Law Group will help you understand Washington’s sentencing grid and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case.
With experience handling first-time and repeat DUI cases, he provides personalized legal representation to protect your rights and future.
