Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLS 1st degree, DWLS 2nd degree, DWLS 3rd degree)
When the Department of Licensing takes an administrative action against your license, your license is deemed either “suspended” or “revoked.” There are various degrees of suspension / revocation which correspond to the reason an administrative action was taken against your license. Even if you think the DOL is wrong and your license should not be suspended or revoked, driving a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, regardless of the degree, is a crime. You should hire an experienced attorney to help you remedy any DOL errors. To check the status of your Washington license, click here.
There are many different scenarios which can result in the suspension or revocation of your license. The paragraphs below are meant as a general overview of the most common reasons for suspension or revocation and by no means constitute a complete list.
The most common suspension is for financial obligations, such as failure to pay tickets or child support. This results in the suspension of your license in the 3sup>rd degree. Once these financial issues are resolved, you will generally be able to get your license reinstated. However, if you have a DWLS charge pending, being eligible for the reissuance of your license does not automatically dismiss the criminal charge. You must continue to attend your court dates. An experienced lawyer can assist you with obtaining a resolution to the criminal charge.
If you have been arrested for a DUI and your blood alcohol level is above a .08% or you refused the breath or blood test, the Department of Licensing will instigate suspension proceedings (see DOL). If you do not challenge the suspension or you lose the challenge, your license will be suspended in the 2nd degree for at least 90 days. If you are arrested for a DUI and you refuse to take the breath test, your license is revoked for at least one year. If you are convicted of a DUI, additional license suspension / revocation periods may apply. If you are convicted of DWLS2, your license will be revoked for a period of one year.
Driving While License Revoked in the First Degree results from an administrative determination by the Department of Licensing that the driver is a “habitual offender”, which means has met the statutory criteria for such a determination (i.e. 3 or more mandatory suspensions or 20 or more moving violations within 5 years). Your license is revoked until it is eligible for reinstatement. There are significant mandatory minimum penalties in this situation, so make sure to consult an attorney.
Call (888) 537-5778 or click here to schedule a free consultation with Caitlin Baunsgard. Caitlin is an experienced criminal attorney who can help to get you the best possible resolution to your DWLS/R charge. Caitlin’s prior experience with the Washington State Patrol and as a Special Deputy Prosecutor gives her unique insight from both sides of the law.
