What is DWLS?

Don’t let a Seattle DWLS charge ruin your driving record and raise your insurance rates.

If you’ve been charged with Driving While License Suspended (or DWLS) in Washington State, know that accepting the charges and pleading guilty are not your only options.

At the Washington Criminal Attorneys, our Seattle DWLS attorneys have more than 30 years of experience fighting for our client’s rights and protecting their best interests.

DWLS is one of the most frequently charged offenses in the state, and the severity of the charges can vary depending on your situation. The Washington State legal system recognizes three separate “degrees” of DWLS.

Our Seattle lawyers also handle these areas of law:

Your Seattle DWLS Attorney Will Be Able to Thoroughly Explain the Ramifications of Each Charge.

DWLS – First Degree.A Seattle DWLS 1 charge entails that the driver was driving while his or her license was suspended for being an HTO, or Habitual Traffic Offender. DWLS 1 is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. Jail time is mandatory with this charge – a first conviction will mean 10 days in jail, a second will mean 90 days, and more convictions mean upwards of 180 days in jail. DWLS 1 conviction could also qualify you to be considered an HTO and bring probation time.

DWLS – Second Degree.If an individual whose license is suspended due to a probationary period other than HTO – such as a DUI or reckless driving conviction – is caught driving, they could be charged with DWLS 2. Though there is no mandatory jail time, DWLS 2 is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

DWLS – Third Degree.If an individual is caught driving while his or her license was suspended, but eligible for reinstatement (such as in the case of suspension due to unpaid traffic tickets or simply not being reinstated after a suspension period), then the person may be charged with DWLS 3. If the driver proceeds to have his or her license reinstated and does not have an outstanding criminal record, a Seattle DWLS lawyer can often have this charge reduced or dismissed.

Why Contact Seattle DWLS Lawyers?

Our Seattle DWLS attorneys understand how you’re feeling after being charged with DWLS. And, our experienced and aggressive team of Seattle DWLS lawyers is here to help you beat the criminal charges against you and prevent them from causing your car insurance rates to skyrocket.

We know that you are probably feeling angry and frustrated over the charges against you, and perhaps your side of the story is different than that of the police and the prosecution. Our Seattle DWLS attorneys understand that our clients have many different motives for driving without a license, and our legal team is dedicated to uncovering every detail of your case in order to build the most thorough defense possible and make sure that your side of the story is heard.