I am so worried about my brother because he was already convicted for DUI before here in Washington and he is once again charged for it. What are the possible consequences should he be convicted again this time?

Clarissa

Seattle, WA

First of all, it is highly advised that he should have a strong representation on his second DUI case so it is important that he hires a DUI lawyer. A second DUI in Washington means having committed the offense within seven years after the first conviction. This time, the consequences are severely bigger because he might be facing a mandatory jail time. Also, his driver’s license may be suspended for a longer period of time. So don’t ever wait to seek the advice of a DUI lawyer about this matter.

The consequences for a second DUI conviction in Washington include 30 days to one year in prison, 60 days of electronic home monitoring, at least $500-fine and two-year driver’s license suspension.

However, there are also consequences involved even if the case is still in trial, specifically if the first offense was just a recent one. The prosecutor would demand that the suspect has substantial conditions to be released from supervision while the DUI case is still pending. While the real aim of conditions of release is to safeguard the community and keep them secured, prosecutors contend that these conditions would make the accused sober, thus keeping the community safe. Alcohol supervision, electronic home monitoring and some other preventive devices are included in these conditions.

I had recently been convicted of DUI and my insurer here in Washington canceled my current policy and they said I should get a DUI SR22 Insurance. I felt very bad about this for I have been insured with them for several years already and now that I had a problem they suddenly canceled my policy. Are they right in doing this to me and what is DUI SR22 Insurance and how does this work?

Bryan

Tacoma, WA

Once a driver is convicted of DUI in Washington, most car insurers will either cancel your current policy or they will never renew it even if you have been having business with them for many years. A DUI SR22 Insurance is a policy that is designed for those who have been convicted of driving under influences’ offense. There are car insurance companies that can give you DUI SR22 Insurance but since you are labelled as a high risk driver it could create more problems in time that’s why you should get a DUI SR22 Insurance.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, they usually want you to present a proof that you have car insurance with DUI for around three to five years with Washington’s Department of Motor Vehicle. Your insurers will file an SR22 form to DMV in order for your driver’s license suspension to be lifted. The car insurance company will charge you the rate depends on your policy and state rules. Every states has a different length of time on how long your DUI conviction remain on the record and as long as the record remains then that is also how long your premium is affected. If you have a DUI SR22 Insurance and had another conviction, the process would be easier and faster and this is something you should get as a responsible driver for we don’t know when accident strikes.

How many years do I have to carry SR22 non owners insurance in Washington State for a first time DUI violation?

Harry

Renton, WA

In Washington State the usual time that a motorist is required to carry an SR-22 non owners policy is for three years. The reason why you are required to obtain the SR-22 non owners insurance in Renton WA may change the amount of time you are required to carry it though.

You can be mandated by this Washington State to obtain an SR22 non owners insurance for different reasons from a driver’s license suspension reinstatement due to a DUI or DWI, accident without automobile insurance or a second or subsequent violation of leaving a child unattended in a running car, etc.

In Washington, typically when you are eligible to reinstate your driver license, you must file future proof of financial responsibility, which is an SR-22, for three years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your license for that accident so likely this is what you will be required with your 1st offense conviction of a DUI.

My drivers license was suspended because of the DUI and my parents would like to add me to their car insurance policy in Everett, Washington. Will the insurance company be able to know about the DUI charge?

John

Everett, WA

I would recommend that you allow the car insurance carrier and your parents know that your driver’s license is suspended because of the driving under the influence charge. You should not drive a car or be insured on their auto insurance policy in Everett, Washington with a revoked or suspended license. You could place your parents or their auto insurance policy at risk for non-disclosure.

The insurance carrier can pull up your motor vehicle record when they try to add you to the auto insurance policy. They can disclose the information that they cannot add you because of your your drivers license is suspended because of DUI. They can give the inquirer for the information to use in order to contact the reporting agency.

My brother got arrested for DUI in Washington and he refused to take the breath test. Is it true that his driver’s license would automatically be suspended because of this?

Rhea
Yakima, WA

The State of Washington has an implied consent law which provides that after acquiring the driver’s license, the driver impliedly consents to blood alcohol testing if asked by a law enforcement officer. A refusal to take the breath test is in itself a criminal violation that is subject to stiff penalties. Since your brother refused to take the breath test when asked by an officer on a DUI investigation in Yakima, Washington, this breath test refusal could result in automatic driver’s license suspension or revocation. This driver’s license suspension for breath test refusal would be for one year.

The breath test refusal could also be used as evidence against your brother on his DUI case trial. If he is found guilty of his DUI charge, there could be additional penalties because of the breath test refusal, such as stiffer sentence. In order for him to protect his driver’s license, he needs to request a license suspension hearing and pay $100 to the Department of Licensing to cover the costs of the hearing.

I have a DUI conviction a year ago here in Washington. I need to renew my auto insurance. What will happen to my insurance? Is there a chance that it can be renewed?

Cyrus

Seattle, WA

Most insurance companies check your motor vehicle record only once every three years or if you are applying for a new policy. Sometimes, tickets, accidents and DUI convictions could escape their attention or do not end up on your motor vehicle record. But if they find out about your Washington DUI conviction, two things are likely to happen.

First is that your insurance company would likely raise your car insurance premiums and label you as a high-risk driver if it finds out you have been convicted of DUI. Second is that your insurance company may cancel your mid-term or terminate the policy at the end of the term, especially if you’re currently in a preferred class. They would send a notice stating why you’ve been canceled.

Washington state law requires DUI convicts to get an SR-22 from their insurance company so you cannot hide. Your insurance company would have to provide the DMV with an SR-22 form which removes your license suspension by providing the state with proof of your insurance. If your insurance company cancels your auto insurance for any reason, an SR22 also means your insurance company would have to notify the DMV about this. You will likely have to file proof of insurance for three or five years with Washington DMV in this case. Some insurance companies do not offer SR22 policies, so you may also be canceled or non-renewed because your insurance company can no longer provide what you need.