Are there any collateral consequences associated with a DWI charge?

Yes, there are several collateral consequences associated with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Washington. These consequences can come in the form of fines, jail time, and even license revocation. Depending on the severity of the offense, the driver might be required to attend alcohol treatment programs, take driver safety classes and/or submit to alcohol monitoring. Additionally, a conviction for a DWI charge could have long-term effects, such as making it difficult for the driver to get certain jobs, secure certain types of housing, or obtain certain types of loans. Furthermore, the driver might have trouble obtaining insurance coverage for their vehicle or even for their medical bills, as insurance companies will often view them as a high risk. Finally, a driver who has been convicted of a DWI charge could lose the privilege of driving their own car, as they may be required to drive a vehicle with a device that prevents them from operating it if they have alcohol in their system. These devices are called Ignition Interlock Devices or IIDs. Installing an IID can be costly, and the driver who has been convicted of a DWI charge may receive fines or jail time if they fail to adhere to the IID restrictions.

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Are there any collateral consequences associated with a DWI charge?

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