Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) in Redmond

Imagine getting pulled over on your daily commute only to realize that your license has been suspended. It is definitely a sinking feeling that can quickly turn into a big legal nightmare. In Redmond, Washington, driving while your license is suspended is a serious offense. This kind of violation can disrupt your ability to get to work, school, or medical appointments and place a permanent mark on your driving record that can affect your insurance rates and future driving privileges.

Understanding the laws surrounding DWLS in Redmond is important for anyone navigating this challenging situation.

In Washington state, you can find DWLS categorized into three degrees (RCW 46.20.342), with each having its own set of penalties. DWLS in the third degree typically occurs when your license is suspended because of unpaid tickets or other administrative reasons. This is considered a misdemeanor and won’t lead to any jail time, but it can result in fines and additional suspension time.

DWLS in the second degree is when your license has been suspended for a more severe offense, like a DUI-related suspension or the failure to appear in court. This is considered a gross misdemeanor and typically carries higher fines, has the potential for jail time, and comes with longer suspension periods.

That brings us to DWLS in the first degree. It is the most serious and often involves habitual offenders who have been deemed as such by the Department of Licensing. This felony-level charge can lead to significant jail time and further loss of your driving privileges.

Being charged with DWLS in Redmond has consequences that reach far beyond simple fines and jail time. A conviction can make your everyday life exponentially harder, as it can limit your job opportunities and complicate your other routine responsibilities like picking up your children from school. Additionally, the long-term impact on your driving record can lead to high insurance premiums and even a policy cancellation in some cases.

If you find yourself facing a DWLS charge, you must act quickly and seek legal advice. Working with an experienced attorney familiar with Redmond’s local laws can help you navigate the complexities of your particular case and explore options for minimizing penalties.

In some cases, attorneys can even negotiate plea deals, reduce the charges, or even help you regain your license sooner than expected. Addressing the underlying reasons for your license suspension—whether it’s unpaid tickets, unresolved legal matters, or a DUI conviction—can also be a key step toward restoring your driving privileges and moving forward.

In Washington state, the laws and statutes that govern these offenses can be found in the Revised Code of Washington.

• RCW 46.20.289 - Suspension or Revocation of Driver’s License
  This statute outlines the reasons a driver’s license can be suspended or revoked in Washington state, including unpaid traffic tickets, DUI offenses, or failure to maintain insurance.
• RCW 46.20.308 - Penalties for Driving While Suspended
  This section outlines the penalties for those found guilty of driving while suspended. It talks about the fines and potential jail time associated with each degree of DWLS, as well as additional consequences like extended suspension periods.
• RCW 46.65.020 - Habitual Traffic Offender Designation
  This statute addresses those who have been designated as habitual traffic offenders (HTO), which is one of the key reasons for a first-degree DWLS charge. An HTO designation typically results from multiple serious driving violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving offenses.

Located in King County, Redmond, Washington is a well-known thriving city often referred to as the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest because of its extensive network of bike trails, green parks, and commitment to outdoor recreation. With a population of over 80,000, the city offers a ton of urban conveniences and suburban charm.

Redmond’s infrastructure supports a growing population as well, with access to public transit options like King County Metro and a developing light rail system. However, like in any other city, Redmond faces challenges related to traffic congestion and parking limitations. This can put pressure on residents who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation.

For those charged with driving while license is suspended in Redmond, navigating the city’s legal and transportation landscape becomes more important than ever.

Facing a DWLS charge in Redmond can feel overwhelming in the moment but a skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner can provide you with the guidance and support you so desperately need. They can carefully review the details of your case, including the reason for your license suspension, and identify potential defenses or strategies. Count on them to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to reduce your charges or penalties.

For example, your attorney may argue that you were unaware of the suspension or that the suspension was issued in error. This can potentially lead to a dismissal of the charges.

In addition to all of this, your attorney can represent you in court and help you address the underlying issues that might have led to your suspension in the first place. This might include helping you resolve unpaid parking tickets, completing court-ordered programs, or learning more about how you can get your license reinstated.

We strongly believe that every DWLS charge can be effectively challenged with the right approach. Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience defending clients against driving-related offenses across Western Washington.

If you or a loved one are facing a DWLS charge, it is essential to consult a skilled traffic attorney as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

A dedicated DWLS defense attorney can explore every legal avenue to secure a favorable result. From challenging the validity of the license suspension to negotiating with prosecutors, an experienced lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.

Our Redmond DWLS attorneys are tenacious and knowledgeable advocates committed to keeping you out of jail and helping you regain your driving privileges.

If you're drive with a suspended license in Redmond, you could be charged with a crime that includes jail time. Driving with a suspended license (Commonly called DWLS) is a serious offense, and the reasons for the original suspension will be relevant as the court handles your case.

DWLS crimes are separated into three categories, each ranked according to its severity. The designation of a DWLS crime is directly related to the original driver's license suspension in Washington State.

First Degree DWLS is charged to habitual offenders who originally lost their driver's license because of a criminal offense, including crimes like DUI or hit and run. In these cases, the Department of Licensing previously labeled the driver as a habitual offender, and a conviction for this gross misdemeanor will result in mandatory jail time.

Second Degree DWLS is also as a gross misdemeanor, but you can be charged with this crime even if you're not a habitual offender. The court may allow you to drive on a restricted license, even if you're convicted.

Third Degree DWLS is charged motorists in Redmond whose driver's license was suspended because of failing to pay a traffic ticket or child support. This crime is a misdemeanor, and your driver's license can be reinstated after paying your monetary debt.

Eligibility for the reissuance of your driver's license does not mean your criminal charges have automatically been dismissed by the court. Our Redmond DWLS lawyers have more than 30 years of collective legal experience, and will aggressively fight to keep you validly licensed to drive. Your Redmond DWLS attorney will act as your personal advocate with the court, and do everything the law allows to minimize the damage of a DWLS situation.

Make no mistake, this situation demands your immediate attention. Our Redmond driving while license suspended lawyers have seen firsthand how repeated DWLS crimes can derail a person's life and land them behind bars, so don't let this happen to you.

A DWLS charge can ultimately lead to jail time, fines, and a suspended or revoked driver's license, not to mention the acquisition of a criminal record. If you can't legally drive, your daily life will be affected in countless ways. You may not even be able to get to work or run simple errands, placing a heavy burden on other members of your household.

The Redmond DWLS attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe offer a free consultation, which is a good way to start getting legal counsel without any commitment toward representation. Contact one of our Redmond DWLS lawyers and find out if we are the law firm you would like defending your interests.