Harsh New Felony DUI Penalties Coming in WA State

A bi-partisan bill has been approved and signed by Gov. Inslee that will get people's attention when it comes to felony  DUI.

House Bill 2280 was signed Thursday, and it will DOUBLE the prison term and fine for people who are convicted of felony DUI.

Currently, a drivers first four DUI's are considered a gross misdemeanor. If someone is convicted of a fifth DUI, it becomes a Class C felony. If convicted, that penalty now double to a ten-year prison term, and $20,000 fine.

The law also makes any DUI for somebody previously convicted of vehicular assault or vehicular homicide an automatic felony, and subject to that new lengthy prison term and fine.

The new laws are aimed at reducing the number of repeat DUI offenders, especially those who cause harm to others in accidents.