Скачать или смотреть DWLS 2nd Degree - Why Am I Suspended And What Steps Can I Take To Help Myself | Washington State

In this informative video, Washington State Attorney Ryan Witt discusses the license status called Driving While Suspended 2nd Degree, or DWLS 2.

WittLegal.com | (360) 792-1000

Driving with License Suspended in the Second Degree (DWLS 2nd Degree) in Washington State is a serious traffic offense under RCW 46.20.342(1)(b). It occurs when a person drives while their license is suspended or revoked for specific reasons, typically involving more severe driving violations or failures to comply with legal requirements. This offense is considered a gross misdemeanor and carries significant legal consequences.

Reasons for Suspension Leading to DWLS 2nd Degree:

A driver's license is usually suspended or revoked under DWLS 2nd Degree for reasons such as:

1. DUI-Related Suspensions: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction or refusal to take a breathalyzer test.
2. Reckless Driving or Hit-and-Run: Suspensions resulting from these or other serious traffic offenses.
3. Failure to Complete a Required Program: For example, not finishing an alcohol or drug treatment program required after a DUI conviction.

Consequences of DWLS 2nd Degree:

1. Gross Misdemeanor Charge: DWLS 2nd Degree is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
2. Further License Suspension: Conviction can extend the length of your suspension, making it harder to regain driving privileges.
3. Criminal Record: A conviction leads to a permanent criminal record, which may affect future employment, especially if the job involves driving.

Potential Defenses Against DWLS 2nd Degree:

While defending yourself against a DWLS 2nd Degree charge can be challenging, there are several possible defenses depending on the circumstances:

1. Challenging the Validity of the Suspension:
Incorrect Suspension: If your license was suspended in error by the Department of Licensing (DOL) or due to clerical mistakes, this could be a strong defense.
Failure of Proper Notification: The DOL is required to notify drivers of a suspension. If you can prove that you were not properly notified, this might be grounds for dismissal.
2. Reinstatement Before the Offense:
If you can show that your license was reinstated or that the suspension had already ended but was not reflected in the system when you were pulled over, you may have a viable defense.
3. Driving in an Emergency:
If you were driving due to a legitimate emergency (e.g., medical emergency or serious threat), you might be able to argue that the circumstances justified your actions. However, this defense is not always successful.
4. Mitigation Defense:
If the facts of your case do not allow for a full dismissal, your attorney can negotiate to reduce the charges or seek leniency in sentencing. This could involve reducing the offense to DWLS 3rd Degree, which carries less severe consequences.
5. Pre-Trial Diversion or Deferral Programs:
In some cases, Washington State courts may offer pre-trial diversion programs or deferred sentences for drivers who meet specific criteria. This may allow you to avoid a conviction by complying with court-ordered conditions.

Steps You Should Take:

1. Obtain Your Driving Record:
Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to review your driving record and determine the exact cause of your suspension.
2. Reinstate Your License if Possible:
If you are eligible, take steps to reinstate your license before your court date. This may involve paying fines, attending required programs, or following any outstanding court orders.
3. Hire an Attorney:
Legal representation is highly recommended, especially for DWLS 2nd Degree charges. An experienced attorney can review your case for errors, negotiate with prosecutors, and help you navigate the legal system.

DWLS 2 is a very serious offense, and it counts towards being a Habitual Traffic Offender, or HTO. Do not take DWLS 2 status lightly.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nothing in this channel is intended as legal advice. Engagement with this channel does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon anything you hear on this channel without consulting with an attorney. Do not post private or privileged information in the comment section below the videos.
________________________________________________________________________
#law #lawyer #dwls #dwls2 #attorney #suspendedlicense #kitsapcounty #criminaljustice #license #licensesuspension #driverslicense
________________________________________________________________________

Witt Law Group PS
www.WittLegal.com
(360) 792-1000