Effective 01/01/2026, a person commits the crime of felony DUI or felony Physical Control if the person has three or more prior DUI or Physical Control gross misdemeanor offenses within the last 15 years. See RCW 46.61.5055(4), as amended by 2024 Wash. Laws ch.306 sec.30-32. Formerly, the “Look Back Period” was only 10 years until extended by the 2024 WA Legislature. Consequently, after January 1, 2026, such Washington drivers arrested for only a gross misdemeanor DUI or Physical Control offense will now be charged with felony DUI or felony Physical Control. These are much more serious Class C felony offenses which will be filed in the local superior court instead of in local district or municipal courts.

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