Several new DUI & Physical Control Under the Influence changes become effective in Washington State on January 1, 2026. Under RCW 9.94A.661(enacted by the 2024 Washington Legislature in 2024 Wash. Laws ch.306 sec.1), felony DUI & Physical Control Under the Influence defendants are now eligible for a special drug offender sentencing alternative. They are eligible if they do not have a prior conviction for Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, felony DUI or felony Physical Control Under the Influence. Under RCW 46.20.385, convicted DUI and Physical Control drivers whose driver licenses have been suspended, revoked or denied after sentencing under RCW 46.61.5055(11)(c)(i)(suspension for violation of a statutory mandatory condition of probation) are now eligible for a temporary restricted Ignition Interlock License (IIL) during the suspension period. 2024 Wash. Laws ch.306 sec.11& 27. See Chapter 23, sec 23.09, discussing Ignition Interlock Licenses(IIL).

Contact Lynnwood DUI lawyer Paul Hanson at 425-778-7339 for more information.