WASHINGTON

DUI Statute

In the state of Washington, a driving under the influence offense is:

Revised Code Washington 46.61.502

Typical Sentencing for First Offense

Jail Up to 1 year
Fines $940.50 to $5,000
License Suspension 3 months
Interlock Ignition Device (IID) 1 year
Probation 5 years

Alternative Resolutions

These can reduce your sentence and in some cases lead to no conviction which are called conditional discharge. Admissibility remains unavailable until completion and in the interim of these alternative programs.

Availability for DUI Yes
Title Deferred prosecution program
Conditions
  • Cannot have ever been granted a deferred prosecution before in your life
  • Must be diagnosed as alcohol dependent, drug dependent, or with mental health issues
  • Must enroll in the recommended drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment program and successfully comply with all treatment recommendations

Background checks

Pleading Down

Pleading guilty to some offenses is not equivalent to a crime in Canada, therefore it does not result in inadmissibility. Your lawyer could argue for a traffic violation or highway obstruction to contest a DUI/DWI which do not result in inadmissibility to Canada. Not all plea bargains will ensure admissibility.

Availability for DUI Yes
Possible plea(s) Reckless endangerment

Expungement & Pardons

This allows your criminal record to be cleared. DUI convictions are eligible for expungements after the completion of the sentence, provided that there are no other charges pending against the offender.

Availability for DUI No
General info
  • All but the most serious offenses may be “vacated” after 5–10 year waiting period; most misdemeanors eligible after 3–5 year waiting period
  • Automatic sealing of juvenile records of adjudication (except serious, sex, and drug offense) upon satisfaction of terms and conditions of disposition (contested hearing if state objects or court finds compelling reasons not to seal)
  • Juvenile offenses not eligible for automatic sealing may be sealed after a crime-free 2-5 year waiting period. Juvenile diversion records may be destroyed by court, or automatically in some situations
  • Administrative sealing of non-conviction records two years after disposition favorable to defendant.
  • Court-issued Certificates of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP) prohibit licensing agencies from disqualifying individuals based on criminal conviction, and protect against negligent hiring liability

Application Links

If inadmissibility to Canada cannot be avoided, these are the remedies offered:

FWCanada free consultation offer

At FWCanada, we are happy to offer free consultation to promptly provide honest assessment of your case and chances of success. As one of the leading immigration law firms in the country specializing in criminal inadmissibility, we have extensive experience in handling a wide range of cases. We prioritize detailed review of each client’s case to optimise application approval.

Please call on our toll free number: +1 (855) 316 3555 to ask all your burning questions and remedy confusions, because providing honest and accurate advice is our ethos.

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