Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Re: driving while licence suspended

Remember, Abraham Lincoln once said something like: "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client." That doesn't mean

you can't do it, but an attorney can often save you some problems because the attorney knows how those tickets work in that county. Remember

the other old saying: A good attorney knows the law, a great attorney knows the Judge." ;)

There are no statutory minimums for Driving While Suspended 3rd Degree (DWS3). However, some judges have their own

minimums ... others don't.

The maximum penalty for DWS3 is 90 days in jail and/or $1000 fine.

Yes, judges will consider your past record. They _may_ also consider WHY you have

a suspended license (there actually are some reasons that are pretty good).

One thing that your county _MAY_ have is a Restorative Justice Project. It works this way,

IF your license is suspended for unpaid tickets, and you meet the qualifications of the local

committee, then as long as you make the payments as arranged for you, the court will not convict you

of DWS3 and they will adjudicate the tickets so you can get your license back.

Another thing some prosecutors are willing to do, if you can go to court with your license reinstated, or if

you can get your license back after a short continuance, they will reduce the ticket to NOVOL and then you will

not have a misdemeanor on your record.

Best of luck. If I can be of additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.