Washington Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Washington. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Washington attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Washington Quick Facts
- State Capital: Olympia
- Region: West
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
- Felony Theft Threshold: $750+
- Murder SOL: None
Washington DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 1–364 days jail, $990.50 min fine, 90-day suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | 30–364 days, $1,245 min fine, 2-year revocation |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 4th offense in 10 years |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Washington requires ignition interlock for all DUI convictions
Washington Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (recreational) |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | Yes |
| Small Amount Penalty | Legal (up to 1 oz) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Over 40g: felony |
Washington was first state to legalize recreational marijuana (2012)
Washington Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $750 |
| Felony Threshold | $750+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 364 days |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 10 years (Class B felony) |
Washington theft in 3 degrees
Washington Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 3 years |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Theft | 3 years |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | 3 years |
Washington Class A felonies have no SOL