I have a serious charge of DUI here in Washington and one of my biggest concerns is the problem I would have with my auto insurance. What consequence shall I face with regard to my auto insurance after being charged for DUI?

Bruce

Bellingham, WA

The consequence that you would have to face with regard to your auto insurance after your DUI charge in Bellingham, Washington is that you should file an SR22 auto insurance. This is a form for an auto insurance policy that you would have to obtain from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order get your driver’s license reinstated and legally drive again.

The SR22 auto insurance would essentially become a written agreement between your insurance company and the DMV. The agreement would oblige your insurance company to provide accurate coverage for your specific needs and let the DMV know if your insurance company is no longer providing coverage for you for whatever reason. Generally, the DMV would suspend your driver’s license again after they have received the notice that your insurance company is no longer providing coverage for you. You have to find an auto insurance company that will give you coverage for the SR22 insurance if your current insurance company is not providing this for you. Good news is, an online rate quote for SR22 auto insurance is readily available from this website.

Here is the situation; my dad was driving drunk on his way home to our Lakewood’s residence. A police pulled him over and charged him with DUI. Now, he is on trial waiting for his conviction. I want to know what are the possible punishments with regard to DUI in Washington.

Justin

Lakewood WA

Hi ya Justin,

Kinda a sad situation knowing about your dad facing a trial for DUI charges. My mom who loves to drink, was in the same footing with your dad right now. As far as I can remember, the Washington DUI lawyer that my mom hired told us, that the possible punishments that she will be facing will be the following:

1. Jail time (one year for first time offenders)
2. Fines ($5,000 for first time offenders)
3. Suspension or Revocation of Driver’s License
4. Electronic Home Detention
5. Ignition Interlock

A lot is at stake when being charged and convicted of DUI, right here at Washington. Just like my mom, she was a first time offender. She was in jail for a year and even had a fine of $5,000. If your dad is a first time offender, there is a greater chance of having same punishment as my mom did.

Don’t lose hope, your dad had a chance not to be convicted if he has the best Washington DUI lawyer to defend him and make sure to have all the possible remedies and apply the laws into your dad’s side. Winning the case is just a step away only if the Washington DUI lawyer your father hired is a competent one.

I just moved in to Washington days ago. My colleagues often told me that the Washington laws about DUI are one of the toughest in the nation. I like having a night out with my friends and drive myself off home. What are the basics that I need to know about DUI in Washington?

Elizabeth, Everett WA

Hey Girl,

I am more like you, kinda the party girl yet have the guts to drive home even after getting a few drinks. Your friends are right, here at Washington laws are stricter and you should be aware of that.

Here are some basics that you should remember when confronted with a police officer arresting you for DUI.

1. When the officer punches a hole right in your driver’s license, it means that the Department of Licensing is giving you an official notice that your driver’s license will be suspended for the mere fact that you are being suspected for DUI.

2. If asked to take the Breathalyzer test and you refused, you will have your driver’s license revoked for at least 1 year.

3. With regard to your car insurance, an additional 3 years will be given to you it is as if you are convicted. Same consequence applies.

If I were you girl, I aint going to drive when you are totally drunk. You will never know when you will be arrested for DUI. I was lucky to have passed the tests a couple of times and not faced conviction. However, just last month I was arrested and facing charges. It changed my life and I tell you, it is very difficult to find a job and get your life back after being convicted with DUI especially here at Washington. For just one night of happiness and being drunk out with friends, your life will change dramatically as DUI conviction has done to me. Next time you drink that tequila and you want to drive yourself home after a night out, think it twice if it’s all worth it.