First Offense DUI Attorneys in Vancouver, WA

Can Your First DUI Be Reduced?

Getting a DUI for the first time does not mean you are without options. In some cases, we can negotiate a DUI down to a lesser charge, such as Negligent Driving in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, or occasionally a simple traffic ticket. A successful reduction almost always avoids mandatory jail entirely, and typically comes with lower fines and a shorter two year probation instead of five. In some cases, a reduced charge can even qualify for expungement later, unlike a DUI conviction, which stays on your record permanently. Whether a reduction is realistic depends entirely on the specific facts of your case, which is exactly why an early consultation matters.

First Offense DUI Penalties

If you are convicted of a first DUI offense in Washington, the court may be required to impose certain mandatory sentences and conditions that you might not know about. It is therefore important to try to negotiate a DUI down to avoid having to serve mandatory jail. Currently, Washington DUI law carries the following mandatory sentences:

	BAC above 0.08% or No Test	BAC above 0.08% or No Test	Refused Breath Test
Mandatory Minimum Jail	24 consecutive hours	48 consecutive hours	48 consecutive hours
Mandatory Minimum Fine	$940.00	$1,195.50	$1,195.50
Mandatory License Suspension	90 days	1 year	2 years
Probation	5 years	5 years	5 years
Alcohol Eval and Txt Required?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ignition Interlock Requirement	1 year	1 year	1 year

Reducing a DUI

In certain circumstances, it may be possible to negotiate a DUI down to a lesser charge of Negligent Driving in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, or even a traffic ticket in certain rare cases. It is impossible to know without having the experience of having practiced DUI defense law to know whether your individual case will be a candidate to be reduced. In almost any instance of a DUI first offense that is reduced down to one of these charges, you can avoid mandatory jail. Also, the fines will usually be lower and probation will be shorter (2 years). In some cases, you may be eligible for expungement of the charge. This can be huge because DUIs cannot be expunged and will remain on your record forever if you are convicted.