Suspended License Defense in Tacoma & Western Washington
Protect Your Right to Drive
Being charged with Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) isn’t just inconvenient—it can mean mandatory jail time, higher fines, and longer suspensions. Losing your license threatens your job, family, and independence. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we act quickly to fight DWLS charges and help you regain your driving privileges.
No matter the reason, ignoring a suspension only makes things worse. Driving without addressing the issue can turn a civil infraction into a criminal charge.
Start Your Defense Today: Call our Lakewood office or use the form below to request a hearing before it’s too late.
Why Licenses Get Suspended in Washington
A license suspension can happen for many reasons, including:
- DUI arrests or convictions
- Unpaid tickets or fines
- Missed court dates or hearings
- Too many moving violations in a short period
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) status
- Failure to maintain SR-22 insurance
How Our Attorneys Defend DWLS Cases
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Challenge the Basis of Suspension – We review your record for errors and file motions where possible.
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Appear in Court for You – In many cases, you don’t have to appear—we represent you directly.
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Seek Dismissals or Reductions – We push for dismissals or reductions to non-moving violations.
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Help Regain Driving Privileges – We advise on reinstatement steps, probationary licenses, and SR-22 compliance.
With thousands of license cases handled across Pierce, King, Thurston, and Kitsap Counties, we know how to navigate Washington’s courts and administrative systems. Our experience in Tacoma Municipal Court, Pierce County District Court, and beyond means we’re ready to advocate effectively for you.
DWLS Degrees Explained
In Washington, Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) charges are broken down into three degrees. Each carries different penalties and risks, but all can have serious consequences for your license, your record, and your freedom.
DWLS 1 (First Degree)
The most serious form of suspension. Mandatory minimum 10 days in jail (90 days for a second offense, 180 for a third). Often tied to DUI-related suspensions or HTO status.
DWLS 2 (Second Degree)
Applies to drivers suspended for serious violations but not yet declared HTO. Still carries criminal penalties and extended suspension time.
DWLS 3 (Third Degree)
Usually administrative suspensions such as unpaid fines, missed payments, or a lapse in insurance. Still a misdemeanor that can extend your suspension and raise insurance costs.
Consequences at a Glance
| Charge | Jail Time | Fines | Suspension Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWLS 1 | 10–364 days | Court-assessed | Longer suspension, high risk |
| DWLS 2 | Up to 364 days | Court-assessed | Extended suspension |
| DWLS 3 | Up to 90 days | Court-assessed | Additional suspension |
DWLS 1
DWLS 2
DWLS 3
Penalties vary by court and case history. Contact our Lakewood office for specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suspended Licenses
What’s the difference between DWLS 1, 2, and 3?
They represent different degrees of severity. DWLS 1 carries mandatory jail time and is tied to DUI or HTO suspensions, while DWLS 2 and 3 involve serious or administrative suspensions with varying penalties.
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
Not unless you’ve secured a probationary or restricted license. Driving without reinstatement risks jail and longer suspension periods.
What happens if I ignore a suspension notice?
The Department of Licensing can extend your suspension, add fines, and escalate charges if you’re caught driving. It’s critical to act quickly.
Can I get my license reinstated early?
In some cases, yes. Options may include early reinstatement, probationary licenses, SR-22 insurance filings, or treatment programs depending on the cause of your suspension.
I missed a payment and now have DWLS 3. What should I do?
Act quickly—DWLS 3 is still a misdemeanor. Contact us right away to explore options for resolving the underlying issue, reinstating your license, and reducing penalties.
Related Legal Issues
Explore how a suspended license connects with other areas of Washington traffic law. These related practice areas provide more detail on situations that often overlap with DWLS cases and can put your license at even greater risk.
Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) ›
Learn what qualifies as HTO, what consequences follow, and how our attorneys can defend you.
DUI Defense ›
Explore how DUI charges can impact your license and how we fight to protect your future.
Traffic Ticket Defense ›
See how a traffic ticket can lead to suspension and what defenses are available.
Ready to Get Help? Take The Next Step
Don’t wait until your suspension turns into jail time. Call our Lakewood office or use the Start Your Defense Today form below. The sooner you act, the more options we have to protect your license and your future.
We represent drivers daily in Tacoma Municipal Court, Pierce County District Court, and courts throughout Western Washington. Because we know the local rules, judges, and procedures, we can act quickly to protect your license and give you the best chance at a positive outcome.