In Washington State, an individual may face two types of traffic-related charges: traffic infractions (not punishable by imprisonment) and criminal traffic violations, which can be potentially punishable by imprisonment. The difference typically reflects the danger that the violation poses to others, and its consequences depend both on the nature of the offense as well as on the frequency of offenses within a period of time. While DUI/DWI charges are among the more infamous Washington State criminal traffic violations, there are many others:
- Reckless driving
- Driving without a license or on a suspended license
- Driving without liability insurance
- Failure to stop after an accident (‘hit-and-run’)
- Disregard for speed limits
- Driving an unregistered vehicle
Fines, which may be thousands of dollars, are the most oft-issued punishment for Washington state traffic crimes like the ones listed above, although severe and/or repeat offenses can result in a jail time. However, consequences may possibly be kept to a minimum if one fights the charges with the guidance of a local criminal defense lawyer with expertise in traffic crimes. Reckless driving and driving on a suspended license are two of the most serious traffic crimes.
Washington Reckless Driving Charges
In Washington state, reckless driving refers to the operation of a vehicle in a manner showing “willful or wanton disregard” for the well-being of people or property (RCW 46.61.500). The minimal punishment associated with the gross misdemeanor of reckless driving is a thirty-day suspension of one’s license, although fees of up to $5,000 plus a year in jail may be assigned to the driver if convicted.
A second Washington reckless driving offense within seven years, or any reckless driving offense related to a DUI/DWI charge, requires the installation of an ignition interlock device. The ignition interlock device, or IID, is an instrument that prevents the driver from operating the car if his/her breath alcohol content is not below .025, and will be required to remain in place for a period ranging from six months to up to ten years.
Driving on a Suspended License
The Washington traffic crime of driving on a suspended license (officially known as “driving while license invalidated,” per RCW 46.20.342) arises when one is pulled over for any number of reasons, and found to be driving the vehicle with a license that has been suspended or revoked (as a result, for instance, of a reckless driving conviction). Note that license suspension or revocation applies in all states; one may not, for example, circumvent an Oregon license suspension simply by crossing the state line into Washington.
Bridge Law’s traffic crime defense lawyers assist many individuals charged with driving on a suspended license, which is one of the most common of all Washington State traffic crimes. Washington traffic laws prescribe some combination of extended suspension and/or imprisonment, depending on the circumstances in which the violation occurred as well as the driver’s previous offenses. As driving on a suspended license may sometimes be even more severely punished that a DUI, a Seattle traffic crimes lawyer should be engaged immediately.
Seattle Criminal Defense for Traffic Violations
For drivers facing the charges outlined above, or any of the dozens of other Washington criminal traffic violations, assistance from a traffic crimes defense lawyer should be the first step. With jail time, enormous fines, and severe insurance repercussions on the line, defending oneself simply does not make sense. Before accepting any plea bargain, contact a local criminal defense lawyer at Bridge Law for expert counsel on fighting Washington traffic crime charges.
