In Washington State it is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle while that person is in a suspended or revoked status or when his or her privilege to drive is suspended or revoked in this or any other state. There are three degrees of driving while license suspended in Washington – 1st, 2nd and 3rd, pursuant to RCW 46.20.342. First degree is the most egregious type of suspended driving offense. A person found to be a habitual offender who violates RCW 46.20.342 is guilty of driving while license suspended or revoked in the first degree, a gross misdemeanor. Upon the first such conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten days. Upon the second conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ninety days. Upon the third or subsequent conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one hundred eighty days. If the person is also convicted of DUI or Physical Control, when both convictions arise from the same event, the minimum sentence of confinement shall be not less than ninety days. Second Degree driving on a suspended license is also a gross misdemeanor, but there are no mandatory minimum confinement periods. Third Degree is the least punitive type of suspended driving offense, as it is a misdemeanor and doesn’t carry with it any further license implications. Generally speaking, if one is found to be in a driving while license suspended third degree status, they can immediately get their license back, unlike first and/or second degree. Be safe out there and respect others on our roadways.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of driving offense, immediately contact a Seattle Traffic Attorney. A Traffic lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Traffic Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their traffic charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a traffic offense, misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Traffic Lawyer as soon as possible. Infraction and criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone cited or charged with an infraction or a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Traffic Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
