Suspended License Defense in Port Orchard
With Over 20 Years of Experience, We Have The Skill To Help You Get Back On The Road
If you have learned that your license is suspended, or you are facing a charge that could lead to suspension, your job and family life can feel uncertain overnight. You may be afraid to drive, yet you still need to get to work, school, and important appointments. You might also be unsure what Washington law actually allows you to do.
At Glisson Legal, we help people in this situation every day. Our office is based in Port Orchard, and for more than 20 years, we have represented drivers in Washington courts on criminal and DUI cases that affect their right to drive. We work to explain your options clearly and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Whether your situation involves a recent DUI, unpaid tickets, or a citation for driving while your license is suspended, we are here to listen and review what is really going on. Our goal is to guide you through the court process and any Washington Department of Licensing issues so you are not trying to sort it out alone.
Glisson Legal offers experienced advocacy and free consultations for all suspended license matters. Contact a Port Orchard suspended license lawyer today at (360) 526-8191 or reach out online and let our over 20 years of experience work for you.
Understanding Washington License Suspensions
Many people first learn about a problem with their license during a traffic stop or when they receive a notice in the mail. Washington can suspend or revoke a license for a variety of reasons.
Some common situations that can lead to license issues include:
- Multiple traffic tickets or serious moving violations within a short period
- Allegations involving DUI or physical control of a vehicle after drinking
- Unpaid fines or failure to comply with conditions from an earlier case
- Not appearing at a scheduled court date where your presence was required
- Previous suspensions that were not fully cleared before driving again
These cases can appear in courts that serve the area where the stop occurred, such as Kitsap County District Court in Port Orchard. The criminal case and the administrative record with the Department of Licensing can both influence how long you are unable to drive.
The length and terms of a license suspension vary. Factors can include the underlying reason for the suspension, any prior history of DUI or serious traffic offenses, and whether there are outstanding fines or court obligations. In some situations, a person might be eligible to apply for a form of restricted privilege, while in others, they must meet specific conditions before reinstating driving rights.
Washington also uses separate processes for court decisions and Department of Licensing actions. A court in Kitsap County might address the criminal charge and impose conditions, while the Department of Licensing makes its own determination about your driving status. Deadlines for requesting certain hearings with the Department can be short, and missing them can limit available options.
Having a Port Orchard suspended license attorney who regularly works with these procedures can make it easier to keep track of what needs attention.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Port Orchard
In Port Orchard and throughout Kitsap County, law enforcement and the Kitsap County District Court treat "Driving While License Suspended" (DWLS) with significant scrutiny.
Washington law divides license suspension charges into three degrees, each based on the underlying reason your license was taken away.
- DWLS 1st Degree (RCW 46.20.342(1)(a)): This is the most serious charge, reserved for "Habitual Traffic Offenders" (HTO). You are labeled an HTO if you have three major convictions (like DUI or Reckless Driving) or 20 moving violations within five years. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail and a one-year extension of your suspension.
- DWLS 2nd Degree (RCW 46.20.342(1)(b)): This is charged when your license is suspended for a specific criminal conviction, such as a DUI, but you are not yet an HTO. While there is no mandatory minimum jail time, a conviction results in an automatic one-year license suspension added to your current term.
- DWLS 3rd Degree (RCW 46.20.342(1)(c)): This is the most common charge in Port Orchard. It typically occurs because of unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, or failing to reinstate your license after a suspension period has ended. While it is a misdemeanor, it still creates a criminal record.
A conviction for driving while suspended carries immediate and long-term impacts that go beyond the courtroom.
- Jail and Fines: Gross misdemeanors (1st and 2nd degree) carry up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Misdemeanors (3rd degree) carry up to 90 days and $1,000.
- The "Snowball Effect": A conviction for DWLS 2nd degree adds another year of suspension. This often leads to people driving again out of necessity, getting caught again, and eventually being labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender.
- Insurance Hikes: Your insurance rates will skyrocket, and you will likely be required to carry expensive SR-22 insurance for several years.
- Employment Risks: Many jobs in Kitsap County, especially those involving government contracts or military base access, require a valid driver's license. A criminal traffic conviction can be grounds for termination or denial of a security clearance.
What To Do If Your License Is Suspended
When you find out that your license is suspended, it can be tempting to put the letter aside and hope the issue will resolve itself. In our experience, delays usually make matters more complicated. Acting quickly and carefully gives you a better chance of managing the consequences and avoiding additional problems.
Driving without knowing your status can carry real risk. Washington treats Driving While License Suspended as a criminal offense. It can also extend the period during which you are not allowed to drive. Once you have your documents together, contacting a criminal defense attorney who works with these issues can help you understand what is ahead.
Before and after you contact our office, some practical steps often include:
- Confirming your license status through Washington Department of Licensing resources
- Collecting recent tickets, court notices, and suspension letters in one place
- Writing down key dates such as upcoming court appearances or deadlines
- Avoiding driving if you believe your license is suspended or revoked
- Preparing questions about your job, family needs, and concerns to discuss with our team
Taking these actions does not fix the situation on its own, but it does put you in a better position to address it. At Glisson Legal, we help people in and around Port Orchard work through these early steps and prepare for court, so they have a clearer sense of what to expect and how to move forward.
Contact a Port Orchard suspended license lawyer at Glisson Legal today. With over 20 years of experience, we have the skill to help you get back on the road. Call us at (360) 526-8191 or reach out online for your free consultation.
How We Help With Suspended Licenses in Port Orchard
Drivers come to us at different stages—some immediately after a DUI arrest, others after being stopped for a suspended license in Kitsap County, and some already facing charges for driving while license suspended.
Our team works to understand the full story, explain your options, and guide you through both criminal and administrative proceedings so you can protect your driving privileges.
Key ways we assist:
- Case Review: Examine your driving record, court paperwork, and any Department of Licensing notices to understand how the suspension arose.
- Navigating Multiple Systems: Coordinate between criminal court cases and administrative issues with the Department of Licensing to ensure deadlines and appearances are met.
- Clear Communication: Explain legal terms, hearings, and documents so you understand your rights and obligations throughout the process.
- Defense Strategy: Assess the allegations for opportunities to challenge the case, reduce penalties, or limit the impact on your driving record.
- Outcome Focused: Work to achieve the best possible results based on your history, the facts of the case, and applicable Washington law.
Why Work With Our Port Orchard Suspended License Team
Our office has been representing clients in Washington courts for more than 20 years, and much of our work is in Kitsap County, including cases that originate in Port Orchard.
Because we focus on criminal and DUI defense, we regularly see the ways driving records, court orders, and Department of Licensing actions overlap. Local familiarity matters. Our attorney and staff work within these systems on a regular basis. This background helps us prepare you for hearings, explain what each appearance is likely to cover, and discuss realistic possibilities in a straightforward way.
Clients also tell us that personal attention and communication are important to them. We strive to return calls, respond to questions, and keep you updated as your case develops. Our office can clarify when you must appear, what documents to bring, and how to meet court or Department of Licensing requirements as they apply to your situation.
No attorney can promise a particular outcome in a suspended license or criminal case. What we can offer is a commitment to looking closely at the facts, understanding your goals, and working to protect your future as much as we reasonably can.
At Glisson Legal, we draw on decades of criminal and DUI defense experience in Kitsap County and Western Washington. Call (360) 526-8191 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and discuss your next steps.
