Tougher DUI Law Signed by Washington State Governor

A measure which will make the penalties tougher for repeat offenders of DUI law in Washington State was signed by the Governor earlier this month. Under the new law, anyone suspected of a second offense of alcohol and / or drug-impaired driving will be automatically arrested. Within five days of being charged after the arrest, they will be required to install and use an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle instead of waiting until after a conviction. Their release from custody will occur only with an IID. IIDs prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver fails the breathalyzer test which the devices monitor. IIDs are installed and maintained by the driver at his or her own expense.

The new law also requires that a new DUI pilot program be instituted in three counties and two cities within the state. The program will monitor repeat offenders with daily alcohol testing. The law does not make a third or fourth conviction a felony as some had hoped. That proposal would have cost the state an estimated $300 million over the next three years which lawmakers stated was not financially possible. As it stands, the new law is expected to add an extra $2 million to the state's expenses.

Under the new law, stiffer penalties have also been instituted for those found driving while alcohol or drug-impaired with a child in the vehicle.

Criminal and DUI Defense in Everett, Washington

New measures are constantly being proposed and enacted which impose tougher penalties on those who violate the law when it comes to driving while under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs. Law enforcement and prosecutors are eager to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law; this sends a message to the offender and the public about the stiff consequences they will face. Anyone who has been arrested and charged with any type of DUI offense, therefore, should immediately retain the services of an accomplished DUI defense lawyer if they wish to obtain the best possible result.

The Law Office of Scott Lawrence, based in Everett, offers competent and effective legal representation in DUI cases as well as other criminal charges. Mr. Lawrence is a top DUI defense lawyer in the area who has earned a "Superb" rating by Avvo. He has a unique background which gives his clients an advantage in DUI defense: he was a Washington state private investigator for 12 years and has a Bachelors of Science in chemistry and certification as a chemist with the American Chemist Society. He thoroughly understands the science behind DUI evidence and can challenge any false or flawed scientific evidence being used against you. To learn more about how Mr. Lawrence can help you fight DUI and other criminal charges, contact the firm for a free, initial case consultation after any arrest.