DUI WA

DUI Laws are Tougher than Ever in Washington

For the last few years Washington State residents have been dealing with tougher DUI laws. The benefit is that offenders have more repercussions and the state is hoping that long term the amount of DUIs given will decrease. The newest law became effective in 2003 and requires that an ignition interlock device be installed on offenders’ vehicles. So, driving under the influence could not only be a deadly action it can be quite costly financially and in regards to ones freedom.

The individuals who will be most likely to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle are those who are repeat Seattle DUI offenders, those whose blood alcohol content is higher than . 15 or anyone who refuses a blood or breath test. Washington State’s legal limit is .08.

The law does not just stop there, however. It goes on to enforce that any individual who receives a conviction of driving while under the influence that also has children in the car will be required to use the ignition interlock device. The age of the children is defined by those 16 and under. Those convicted will be required to use the device for a minimum of 60 days.

The reason these laws were passed was to try and deter individuals from driving while under the influence. Too many people are killed each and every year simply because they make the poor decision to get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. The more stringent laws will hopefully make people think twice before they drink and drive.

There are many other laws associated with drinking and driving in Washington State. First time offenders will be required to spend at least 24 hours in jail and pay large fines and fees. The level of blood alcohol will also affect the time in jail and the fees paid. For example, first time offenders with a BAC of .15 or higher will spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail and up to a year in jail. Fees and fines will also be higher as well as other punishments.

Those individuals who are multiple offenders will find the laws are more stringent with each and every conviction. Loss of license and the like can be given as punishment to those who have multiple DUI offenses in Seattle and the State of Washington. Hopefully the stronger the laws are against drinking and driving will result in fewer people making the bad decisions to do so and more lives will be saved as a result.

DUI Lawyers and Attorneys
Driving under the influence, today, has some harsh penalties, due to organizations such as Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers. Because of this organization and others, laws are changing all the time. Without a DUI attorney, even on your first offense you might find yourself in deep trouble, such as having your driver’s license revoked.

DUI Attorneys in Seattle and WA State
The main reason to find a local DUI attorney is that you must have representation that understand the court proceedings, laws, and how to best provide you will legal counsel. If you do not use a DUI lawyer, you may find yourself behind bars in no time, not because the attorney is not a great attorney but because he may not know the laws governing DUI Cases.

Tips to Avoid a DUI Conviction
The police may want to subject you to a variety of tests to determine if you are under the influence or not. Keep in mind the following tips if you find yourself in this situation. They just may help you avoid a DUI conviction! more...

Drinking and Driving - A Bad Choice
Heading out for a night out in Seattle? Are you sober enough to drive? Do you have a sober driver? All of these things should be considered before you ever have that alcoholic beverage. more...

Thinking of Drinking and Driving in Washington State? Look What Might Happen if You Do!
We all know that drinking and driving is irresponsible and dangerous not to mention carries some pretty stiff penalties. However, there are plenty of first time offenders in Washington State every single day. So, what happens to these folks? You might want to read the following information so that you know if you choose to drink and drive you are taking your life in your hands and a whole lot more.