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Charged with Driving While License Suspended?

Written by David O
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Charged with Driving While License Suspended?

Were you recently charged with driving while license suspended because you were operating a car while your driver’s license was suspended or revoked?

Here’s What You Need To Know

There are three classifications of driving while license suspended:

  1.  Driving While License Suspended 1st Degree.  The Revised Code of Washington 46.65 states:  A person is guilty of DWLS 1st Degree if they are an habitual offender and driving a car while their license is suspended.  An habitual offender” is someone who has a very bad driving record and who has accumulated multiple driving offenses.  DWLS 1st Degree is a gross misdemeanor.  If found guilty of DWLS 1st Degree an individual would face a minimum of 10 days of imprisonment for their first offense, a minimum of 90 days of imprisonment for their second offense, and a minimum of 180 days of imprisonment for every other subsequent offense.  Also,they would have an additional year of license suspension added on to their prior license suspension term.
  2.  Driving While License Suspended 2nd Degree.  For an individual to fall into this classification, the individual would have not been eligible to reinstate their driver license, and they would have a decent driving record, they would not be considered an habitual offender.  DWLS 2nd Degree is also a gross misdemeanor and if found guilty, an individual would have an additional year of license suspension added on to their prior license suspension term.  There is no minimum imprisonment for DWLS 2nd Degree.  The only way to avoid the additional one-year license suspension for a person convicted of Driving While License Suspended 1st or 2nd Degree is if the court recommends against the additional license suspension and the person has obtained a valid driver’s license.
  3. Driving While License Suspended 3rd Degree.  For a person to be placed into this classification the person must have been eligible to reinstate his/her driver’s license at the time of the charge. DWLS 3rd Degree is a simple misdemeanor. A person convicted under this section will not lose their driver’s license for any additional period.  However they would still want to hire a criminal defense attorney to fight their case and negotiate the charge down to a lesser fraction or get it dismissed.

If you’ve been charged with Driving While License Suspended, call the experienced criminal defense lawyers at David O Defense, 206-459-6392, to schedule a free legal consultation where you can talk about the details of your case, ask questions, and find out more about DWLS charges.

 

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Families Choose David O Defense For Legal Representation

Written by David O
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Families Choose David O Defense For Legal Representation

Families choose David O Defense! Here is a recent review from a concerned Mom who hired David O Defense to fight her son’s DUI case; “David O and his team are experienced, professional and sincere. From the very first appt, David made my son and I feel comfortable starting with his warm and caring attitude. He genuinely cares for his clients and their families. His team works together to ensure you get the very best outcome. We interviewed three Lawyers and it was a no-brainer to choose David. He is the BEST and you will not be disappointed because he will fight for you and work hard for you. I highly recommend you hire him if you are in need, at the very least, if you are looking for an attorney, give him a try with a consultation to compare.” Posted by Lisa F., 2014.

If a family member needs legal representation, don’t hesitate, call our criminal defense lawyers today 206-459-6392 to schedule a no obligation free consultation.  Our DUI and criminal defense attorneys believe it is a privilege and honor to help families through stressful criminal charges.  To see a complete listing of criminal charges we handle click here.

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High School Bus Driver Charged with DUI, Reckless Endangerment, and 36 Counts of Child Abuse

Written by David O
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High School Bus Driver Charged with DUI, Reckless Endangerment, and 36 Counts of Child Abuse

Unbelievable newsworthy story originating out of Westminster Colorado, where high school bus driver, Burton Carpenter, allegedly consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel of the bus to drive 30 high school football players to their September game.  Needless to say, police were called and Carpenter was arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence).

According to a Mountain Range football coach, Carpenter was so intoxicated that he couldn’t drive the bus straight, he was straddling lanes, and had to be directed back into the school parking lot where he crashed into a parked pickup truck.

A bystander claimed, Carpenter gloated that he had been drinking vodka from a 32oz. Gatorade bottle.

When Colorado police arrived on the scene, they noted Carpenter’s eyes were bloodshot, his speech was slurred, and when he exited the bus he fell down the steps catching himself on the side of the bus.  Police reported his BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level was .20, over twice the legal DUI limit and claimed Carpenter openly admitted to drinking Vodka before driving.

Carpenter was arrested and taken to the police station.  In addition to being charged with DUI, Burton Carpenter was also formally charged with reckless endangerment and 36 counts of child abuse.  He is due back in court sometime in December.

The Adams School District reported they run criminal background checks on all bus drivers and Carpenter’s was clean when they hired him under a year ago.  However, police discovered he had lost his prior job as a nurse due to substance abuse problems.

My guess is Burton would be a good candidate for a deferred prosecution.  In Washington State, a deferred prosecution is a special program for those suffering with alcoholism.  The deferred prosecution is a five-year program which includes court supervision, monitoring and two years of alcohol/drug treatment.  If an individual successfully completes the five-year program without any violations the charge of driving under the influence (DUI) will be dismissed.  This is a great program for some because it creates a win win.

 

Written by S.O

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