Driving While License Suspended (DWLS)

Have you recently been caught driving with a suspended license on the streets of Washington? If so, this means you were found to be operating a motor vehicle after your license had been suspended or revoked by the Department of Licensing. This could have happened for several different reasons like unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, or maybe you just collected too many traffic violations.

Whatever the reason, Washington state classifies this offense into three different degrees, each having its own level of severity depending on the actual circumstances. For example, a DWLS in the first degree means your license had been suspended due to a criminal conviction like vehicular homicide, while a DWLS in the third degree usually involves less serious infractions like failing to pay your fines.

Facing DWLS isn’t just a minor issue or convenience in your life. It is a legal process that can result in unfavorable outcomes if you don’t know how to navigate the legalities involved with these kinds of charges. For this, it helps to have a qualified criminal defense attorney who knows the laws and can help ensure a more positive outcome overall.
RCW 46.20.342 governs DWLS.

The penalties for this charge in Washington, which is classified as a gross misdemeanor, can be significant and vary depending on the degree of the charge itself. DWLS in the first degree, is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $5,000. This statute targets habitual offenders whose license was suspended due to severe traffic-related convictions.

Second-degree DWLS is also considered a gross misdemeanor but usually involves slightly less severe circumstances like a license suspension. The penalties for this offense often include hefty fines, potential jail time, and further suspension of your driving privileges.

Third-degree DWLS, though considered a misdemeanor, can still result in fines and a criminal record. This charge is often due to unpaid tickets or a lapse in insurance coverage. While it is a less severe offense, it can still result in fines, probation, and even community service in some cases.

Beyond these legal penalties we have outlined above, a DLWS conviction may further extend your license suspension, increase insurance rates, and create lasting complications in both your personal and professional life.

These charges can also further exacerbate the suspension period and create other headache-inducing obstacles in your daily life.

Here are some additional regulations that address related issues when it comes to license reinstatement, vehicle impoundment, and penalties for more specific circumstances.

• License Reinstatement (RCW 46.20.311): This statute governs the conditions for license reinstatement after it has been suspended or revoked. It states that you must meet specific legal and administrative requirements like completing a drug or alcohol assessment or paying all reinstatement fees.
• Ignition Interlock Device (RCW 46.20.720): This statute talks about those whose licenses were suspended due to a DUI-related offense. In these cases, an ignition interlock device can be mandated by the court as a condition of license reinstatement.
• Vehicle Impoundment (RCW 46.55.113): If you are caught driving with a suspended license, law enforcement can impound your vehicle, which can add another layer of financial and logistical burdens.
• Emergency Exceptions (RCW 46.342): The provisions in this statute allow for the use of certain defenses for DWLS charges, like driving during a genuine emergency or proving that your license suspension or revocation was done in error.

DWLS charges can carry immediate and long-term repercussions under Washington law. An experienced defense attorney can help you learn all you can about these statutes, challenge improper license suspensions, and negotiate alternatives like a deferred sentence under RCW 3.66.067. There is also the option of obtaining a restricted license under RCW 46.20.391.

As you are probably already well aware, Washington state is well-known for its beautiful scenery, busy urban centers, and commitment to public safety. The state combines its thriving economic opportunities with its expansive outdoor spaces. However, as a heavily populated state with a dense network of roadways, it also enforces strict traffic laws that help to ensure the safety and efficiency of its growing transportation systems.

Among these laws is the prohibition of driving while your license is suspended or revoked. It is a charge that reflects Washington’s dedication to holding each driver accountable while maintaining safe roads for everyone.

Facing a charge of driving while your license is suspended in Washington can have serious legal and personal consequences. Without professional legal guidance, navigating these charges can leave you open to steep penalties like jail time and fines. You could even have to deal with a longer suspension on top of it all.

A criminal defense attorney plays a big role in protecting your rights, building a strong defense for your case, and minimizing the impact these charges have on your life. With this kind of expertise, you can rest assured knowing that your case is being handled properly by someone who understands Washington’s traffic laws and can identify procedural errors that could ultimately lead to a dismissal or reduction of your charges.

DWLS charges in Washington encompass so much more than the core statutes. There is a range of other related laws that govern the consequences and requirements that can arise from these charges.

We believe that every DWLS charge can be effectively challenged with the right legal strategy. For decades, our attorneys have successfully defended those facing traffic-related criminal charges across Western Washington.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a DWLS charge, it is time to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Washington traffic laws. They can explore every legal avenue available to minimize the impact of the charges, including challenging the validity of the suspension or negotiating for reduced penalties.

Our DWLS attorneys are dedicated and determined advocates who will work tirelessly to keep you out of jail and help you regain your driving privileges as quickly as possible.

If you've been charged with driving while your license is suspended, you're not alone.

One of the most common criminal cases is a DWLS charge. There are three different degrees of DWLS, with 1°being the most serious and 3° being the least. The different degrees are based on the reason why your license is suspended.

The first step in dealing with any type of DWLS charge is getting yourself validly licensed again.  Unfortunately, that is not always possible, and sometimes you do not know why your license was suspended.  If you have not been able to get the Department of Licensing to clarify your license status to you, we are more than happy to discuss your situation with you.

DWLS 1° is a gross misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. While the maximum is not normally given to individuals, there is a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail with a conviction and a-one year license suspension that is added to your current suspension. So, for example, if you were originally eligible to get your license back in 6 months, after this conviction, you will not be eligible for 18 months.

DWLS 2° is also a gross misdemeanor, but there is no mandatory 10 days in jail with a conviction. Unfortunately, a conviction also comes with a one-year license suspension, which will be added to your current suspension.  There are many reasons why your license would be suspended in the 2°, some of which include: a MIP conviction.

DWLS 3° is the most common charge. It is a misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a$1,000 fine. DWLS 3° normally means that you are eligible for reinstatement now, except for one last obligation that you must complete (normally financial in nature). Examples include owing the court money on tickets, failing to respond to a ticket, being involved in an accident without insurance and owing money to the other driver, and even owing money on child support.

If you're facing DWLS charges, contact our experienced Washington defense attorneys today for the answers you need.