QUESTION

How much jail time will I face for my DWI?

Asked on Mar 28th, 2013 on DUI/DWI - Washington
More details to this question:
I got a DWI in 2009 and it is now 2013. I am just now having to go to court because I have a job now. I was paying a lawyer before and lost my job so I couldn't finish paying. Now I have no lawyer and I have to do it on my own. I pleaded guilty but since then my life has changed. I had a family and I got a new job.
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5 ANSWERS

Criminal Defense Attorney serving Oakland, CA at Kapsack & Bair, LLP
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You should reconnect with your former lawyer and relate your situation he/she may be able to help you if you finish paying your fee. Or, you could contact another lawyer in your area and ask them to help, in a situation like yours, it is rarely a good idea to go in without an attorney to explain what happened and your changed situation.
Answered on Apr 09th, 2013 at 7:46 PM

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Michael J. Breczinski
Well you want to get a lawyer to help you, all the things that have changed in your life may make a difference to the judge if presented properly. A good lawyer can help with that.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 7:47 PM

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This is an extremely odd story. Courts almost never let cases languish for three or four years. You could move to dismiss the charge for failure to prosecute. If your life has truly changed, you might seek a meeting with the prosecutor and explain your situation (bring proof of what you contend). The actual sentence for DUI (OWI) will typically depend on the number conviction it is (your second, or third, or whatever), the amount of alcohol measured in your system, and whether or not the driving was especially egregious.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 12:20 AM

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Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA at Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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A DUI conviction is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. For a first time offense there is a mandatory minimum 1 day in jail. The judge could impose more, but can't impose less than the one day.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2013 at 11:55 PM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Spokane, WA at West Law Office
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You are now on your second DUI in the last seven years which is how far sentencing guidelines go back. If your BAC was .15 then minimum is 45 days max 364. This is if you are convicted of the DUI. An attorney may be able to get a reduction and treat it as if it is your first DUI with 1 or 2 days min jail time but this would have to be agreed upon by the prosecutor and judge.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2013 at 11:52 PM

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