Does a DWI conviction stay on my criminal record?

Yes, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction in Washington State will stay on your criminal record. A DWI conviction is a criminal offense and can have very serious consequences that can last a long time. In Washington State, a first-offense DWI is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, license suspension, and/or ignition interlock requirement (depending on your BAC). Once these penalties have been satisfied, your record may still include the DWI charge. This charge will stay in your criminal record and will be visible to potential employers, landlords, and other parties that may be looking at your criminal background. A DWI charge will also stay on your driving record for 11 years. This means that your insurance company will see it when they review your record and may charge higher rates for insurance or even deny coverage. In addition, if you are caught driving under the influence again, the number of years between offenses will determine the charge itself, meaning that your first offense and the subsequent 11 years of the charge appearing on your record will be taken into consideration. Overall, a DWI conviction in Washington State will stay on your criminal record for a long time and will have lasting consequences. It is important to remember to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and to always have a designated driver if you have been drinking.

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