What Yakima and Kittitas County Drivers Need to Know
If you have been pulled over and the officer ran your license only to tell you it is suspended, you are likely facing a charge of Driving While License Suspended (DWLS). This is one of the most common criminal charges in Washington State, and it can have serious consequences if you do not take it seriously. Tony Swartz, a criminal defense attorney based in Ellensburg, defends drivers across Yakima and Kittitas Counties who are facing DWLS charges.
What Is DWLS in Washington?
Washington law defines three degrees of driving while license suspended. DWLS 1st Degree is the most serious — it carries mandatory minimum jail sentences (in 2026, 10 days for your first conviction, 90 days for your second, and 180 for anything after your second - this doesn't matter if the first was 20 years ago either, as there is no time loopback). DWLS 2nd Degree typically involves a suspension for DUI or child support issues, and it is also a gross misdemeanor with possible jail time. DWLS 3rd Degree is the least serious, usually stemming from a minor administrative suspension like too many traffic tickets, but it still is a misdemeanor with jail possibility and if convicted, it creates a criminal record if not handled properly.
Can a DWLS Charge Be Defended?
Yes. There are several defenses available depending on the circumstances of your case. In some situations, the suspension notice was never properly mailed to your last known address, which is a constitutional requirement. In other cases, the suspension itself may have been invalid or based on incorrect information. Even if valid, we have good success getting prosecutors to dismiss or amend the charge to a non-criminal charge if you can get your license back. Tony Swartz reviews the underlying suspension history and the circumstances of your stop to identify every available defense. We can also help with your relicensing process, as that gets complicated.
DWLS and Your Driving Record
A DWLS conviction — even a third-degree conviction — becomes part of your permanent criminal record. It can affect your ability to get a job, obtain housing, or maintain a professional license. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate whether these options are available in your case before you finalize it.
Tony Swartz Handles DWLS Cases in Yakima and Kittitas Counties
Whether you are facing your first DWLS charge or a more serious repeat offense, Tony Swartz will review your case at no cost and explain your options. He handles cases in Yakima County District Court, Yakima Municipal Court, Upper and Lower Kittitas County District Court, and other courts throughout the Yakima Valley. Call today for a free consultation: (509) 293-7593