People convicted of DUI in Washington face a graduated sentencing system. This means that the sentence for a person convicted of DUI will depend on the amount of previous DUI convictions the person has had and the person's blood alcohol level.

A first-time DUI is considered a misdemeanor in Washington. However, repeat DUI offenses can result in felony charges for a DUI suspect. If a person has had three or more previous DUI convictions or convictions for related offenses within a 10-year period, that person can face felony charges for a fourth DUI.

When a DUI is charged as a felony, the penalties increase dramatically. The penalties can include longer prison sentences, greater fines, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, which blocks a vehicle from starting if the driver has a breath-alcohol content of 0.025.

Recently, the Washington legislature passed a law that will increase the possible sentences people charged with DUI will face. The law, known as House Bill 1789, broadens the type of DUI violations that can be charged as felony DUI.

The bill will make any DUI conviction a felony if the offender has had a prior felony DUI conviction. This will change the 10-year time period that currently exists.

The bill will also broaden what is considered a prior offense that qualifies for a felony DUI prosecution. Prior offenses will now include all vehicular assault or vehicular homicide convictions if the original charge involved driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, the bill requires that any sentencing enhancement for DUI-related vehicular homicide be served in full.

The bill also requires the installation of ignition interlock devices in more situations. Under House Bill 1789, a person convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving or first-degree negligent driving will be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

Source: The News Tribune, "New, tougher steps on DUI sentencing," Steve Maynard, 4/17/2011