Driving While License Suspended
Washington State law requires that all Washington State drivers be properly licensed and insured. In Washington State there are at least three types of crimes an individual can be charged with if he is caught driving without being properly licensed and insured to drive – Driving While License Suspended in the First Degree (“DWLS 1“), Driving While License Suspended in the Second Degree (“DWLS 2“), and Driving While License Suspended in the Third Degree (“DWLS 3“).
DWLS 1
A driver can be charged with DWLS 1 in Washington when he is caught driving a motor vehicle during a period of time in which he is considered to be a “habitual traffic offender”. DWLS 1 is a Gross Misdemeanor and carries with it a maximum sentence of 365 days in jail and a monetary fine of $5,000. A conviction for DWLS 1 carries with it a mandatory minimum sentence. A first conviction for DWLS 1 will result in imprisonment for not less than ten days. A second conviction for DWLS 1 will result in imprisonment for not less than ninety days, and a third or subsequent conviction for DWLS 1 will result in imprisonment for not less than one hundred eighty days.
DWLS 2
A driver can be charged with DWLS 2 in Washington when he is caught driving a motor vehicle during a period of time in which his license is suspended or revoked, and he is not eligible to reinstate his driving privilege. DWLS 2 is a Gross Misdemeanor and carries with it a maximum sentence of 365 days in jail and a monetary fine of $5,000. DWLS 2, unlike DWLS 1, does not have a mandatory minimum sentence. However, if a person is convicted of DWLS 2 he will lose his Washington State driving privilege for a period of 1 year.
DWLS 3
A driver can be charged with DWLS 3 in Washington when he is caught driving a motor vehicle during a period of time in which his license is suspended, but he is eligible to reinstate his driving privilege. DWLS 3 is a Misdemeanor and carries with it a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a monetary fine of $1,000. DWLS 3 does not have a mandatory minimum sentence, and there is no loss of Washington State driving privilege associated with a DWLS 3 conviction. Nevertheless, a conviction for DWLS 3 is a very serious crime and requires the legal assistance of a seasoned Seattle criminal defense attorney to ensure the best result possible.
The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced team dedicated to providing aggressive representation for those charged with Driving While License Suspended in Western Washington. The SQ Team creates success by working with law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney’s office and the courts to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the DWLS allegations are considered in creating the most equitable and fair resolution possible.
