Proposed DUI Law Changes in Washington State for 2025: What You Need to Know - Vancouver WA Criminal Defense Attorney | DUI Lawyer

As Washington State prepares for significant changes to its DUI laws, drivers should be aware of the new regulations set to take effect in 2025. These changes aim to reduce DUI-related fatalities and introduce stricter penalties for repeat offenders while providing expanded opportunities for rehabilitation.

1. Lowering the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit

One of the most important changes is proposed under House Bill 2196, which lowers the legal BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. This would make Washington the second state in the U.S., after Utah, to adopt such a low limit. The reasoning behind this change is to prevent impaired driving and reduce traffic fatalities by encouraging people to avoid driving even after minimal alcohol consumption.

If passed, HB 2196 would also start a two-year evaluation by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to assess the impact on traffic collisions, DUI arrests, and the economic effects on industries like bars and restaurants. Lawmakers are hopeful this will result in fewer crashes and prompt more careful behavior from drivers

2. Extending the Lookback Period for Felony DUI Charges

Under Senate Bill 5032, the lookback period for felony DUI charges would be extended from 10 years to 15 years. This change means that anyone with three or more DUI convictions within 15 years would face felony charges on their next offense. The extension is intended to remove habitual offenders from the roads for longer periods and impose harsher penalties for repeat offenses.

This bill also broadens the availability of the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) for DUI offenders. First-time felony DUI offenders who meet the eligibility requirements could opt for a treatment program instead of incarceration, marking a shift toward rehabilitation over punitive measures.

3. Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders

Senate Bill 5032 also proposes increasing the penalties for DUI convictions. Specifically, it seeks to make a fourth DUI conviction—instead of the current fifth—a felony. Additionally, all DUI offenders would face a mandatory increase in minimum jail time by 10 days.

For those convicted of multiple offenses, the bill requires the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) before they are released from jail. This device ensures that vehicles cannot be operated by anyone who has consumed alcohol.

Conclusion

The proposed changes to Washington State’s DUI laws reflect an effort to address the increase in DUI-related incidents while offering more rehabilitative options for offenders. If implemented, these changes will result in stricter enforcement and more opportunities for treatment, ensuring safer roads across the state.

For more information about these laws and how they might affect your case, consult an experienced attorney.

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Feb 29, 2024

by GC on Kris Carrasco Attorney at Law

Out of State Restraining Order

I was in a horrible situation where the mother of my son had me arrested on false claims so she could kidnap our son and move to Washington from California. She filed a restraining order when she got to Washington, listing our son as a protected party and claimed I had been abusive to her and him, writing a statement filled with lies and stories going back many years. She went so far as to have her family members, whom had never left Washington submit statements as well. The whole thing was disturbing and as a result I wasn't able to see my son for months. Kris didn't get dragged into arguing the meritless claims she made but instead focused on the actual law. Washington did not have jurisdiction over me and as a result a restraining order was not legal. A temp judge granted the restraining order and Kris made the judge explain on the stand multiple times how Washington had jurisdiction. She could not. He filed a motion for reconsideration shortly after outlining case law and making it clear that the temp judge had made a mistake. A commissioner reviewed and granted the motion for reconsideration. As a result, I was able to be reunited with my son, 102 days later. Kris is an amazing lawyer and I can't thank him enough for what he did for me and my son. Don't hesitate to hire him.