Driving While License Suspended
By Attorney Craig Cahoon

Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) is a class of crimes that can haunt you, because you can be convicted of these crimes for nothing more than driving – even if your driving was flawless.

Washington State recognizes three levels of suspension: First, Second and Third.  As we will see, each one carries with it a unique set of problems.

DWLS 3^rd Degree.

Driving while license suspended in the third degree is the least serious of the three levels. It generally means that you owe some money to the Department of Licensing.  If you pay the money then you can get your license back.  Where people run into problems with DWLS 3^rd, is the simple fact that if they had the money they would have paid the fines.  The Court’s penalty for DWLS 3^rd can be jail time but is more often fines – which of course only compounds the underlying problem.  There was a time when Bankruptcy (chapter 13) seemed like the only answer for some drivers.  In recent years, many jurisdictions have adopted re-licensing programs that work with drivers to get their fines paid off.  If you find yourself in this situation, contact the Court where you owe fines and ask their clerks office about their re-licensing programs.

DWLS 2^nd Degree.

Second degree generally comes about as the result of being convicted of a crime (like DUI or Felony Eluding) or an Administrative Action (again like DUI).  Conviction for DWLS 2^nd carries with it the likelihood of jail time and 12 months of license suspension in addition to whatever suspension you already have.

Ask yourself if you could get by for a year without driving of any kind.  Would you be able to keep your job?  It doesn’t take long to realize how large of an obstacle this type of suspension can become.

There are things that can be done to help, but it always comes down to the same two categories: 1)  Stop Driving until you're re-licensed; and 2) Contact a Lawyer who can help.

DWLS 1^st Degree.

Those suspended in the 1^st degree are also labeled Habitual Traffic Offenders.  Conviction for DWLS 1^st degree carries with it mandatory minimum sentences: 10 days, 90 days, 180 days for the first, second, third and beyond convictions.  There is also an additional 12 months of license suspension for each conviction.  People at this suspension level tend to "stack" these charges by continuing to drive and getting caught; which means that when they are finally taken into custody, they can be looking at significant time behind bars.  If you find yourself in a situation like this: Call a Lawyer at once, the longer you wait - the more trouble you will get yourself into.

The best way to avoid the vicious cycle of suspension, fines and jail that can happen is to clear up any licensing problems before you get suspended.  Next best is to call an attorney that can help you.  There are defenses to these crimes but you will need a lawyer to help you.