Mandatory DUI penalties do not differ based on the jurisdiction of arrest.  While different prosecutors may have differing filing and negotiation standards and different judges may apply the laws somewhat differently, the basic penalties remain the same from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  What makes Seattle Municipal Court different from a DUI penalty standpoint is merely the fact that there are several different judges who all have vastly different personalities and standards.

Mandatory DUI penalties are determined based upon a combination of factors.  The level of the person's breath or blood test (BAC), whether or not they refused a breath or blood test, and their history of DUI and DUI related convictions dating back over a seven year period all go into determining what the mandatory minimum sentence would be.  These minimums affect the duration of jail, the length of license suspensions, the amount of fines and the length of time an ignition interlock device must be installed.  Certain requirements are mandatory regardless of the above factors.  Completing an alcohol evaluation and any recommended follow up, participating in a DUI Victim's Panel and committing no law violations, not refusing a breath or blood test, not driving with a predetermined level of alcohol in your system,  and not driving without valid license and insurance, all over a course of a five year period, are also mandatory sentencing requirements.

For a complete look at minimum sentencing requirements for DUI convictions, go to The Washington DUI Sentencing Grid.  Please keep in mind, as drastic as some of these minimum sentencing requirements may sound, they are only the minimums.  A judge is authorized to sentence you anywhere up to the maximum of 365 days in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.  If you have multiple DUI convictions in your past, there are judges in Seattle Municipal Court who will do that.

If you have questions regarding potential DUI penalties as they apply to Seattle Municipal Court, please contact our Seattle DUI lawyers at Milios Defense.