Washington State DUI Charges
In Washington State, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. If you are pulled over for driving drunk, you may be arrested and charged with driving under the influence, otherwise referred to as DUI.
Unfortunately, DUI laws do not apply only to people driving erratically while under the influence. Even if you are driving perfectly, you may be charged with DUI if your BAC (blood alcohol content) is over the legal limit. For drivers over the age of 21 in Washington State, this limit is 0.08 percent.
If you are pulled over because your tail light is out or some other problem with your vehicle, and the police officer thinks that you are intoxicated because of slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol, he or she may ask you to take a breath test. This is the test that is used to determine your BAC.
Washington allows for conviction of DUI based exclusively on your BAC. This is known as a “per se” offense. As stated above, you may be charged with a “per se” offense even if your driving was not affected by alcohol.
The penalties for driving under the influence vary based on a number of factors, such as the number of prior DUI convictions and BAC level. While jail time is a possibility for all DUI offenses, first-time offenders are typically given lighter punishments. The penalties for a first offense may include a driver’s license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol counseling, community service, and probation.
Higher penalties, such as mandatory jail time or higher fines, may be imposed on people who drive under the influence while a minor is in the car, who have an excessively high BAC, or who drive in a reckless manner while intoxicated. An ignition interlock device, which measures the driver’s BAC before the vehicle can start, may be installed.
If you have recently been arrested for DUI in Washington, speak with an attorney who has experience with DUI defense. To get in touch with an attorney, please fill out our convenient online form today.
