Washington State DUI Facts

Traffic accidents due to alcohol or drug-impaired driving in the state of Washington have been declining for the last five years, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. The rate of impaired-driving accidents in 2010 was 0.40 per 100 million miles traveled as opposed to a rate of 0.53 in 2006. Male drivers have the overwhelming majority of impaired-driving deaths in traffic accidents as opposed to females. 77 percent of all traffic deaths associated with impaired driving occur to drivers of motor vehicles with another 19 percent involving passengers. The remainder of traffic fatalities occurs to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorists.

A first-offense DUI in Washington State carries an array of legal and administrative consequences. Jail time can range from one day up to one year or may involve electronic home monitoring for 15 days. Those convicted with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 percent or more may be sentenced jail time of 2 days to one year or electronic home monitoring of 30 days. Fines in a first offense can range from $865 up to $5,000 except in cases of a BAC of .15 percent or more where fines start at $1,120. A license suspension will be for 90 days and up to one year for those with a .15 percent or more BAC. Those who wish to reinstate their license may be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and will be required to purchase SR-22 insurance coverage. Alcohol / drug assessment and / or substance abuse treatment may be required depending on the facts of the case.

DUI Defense in Everett, Washington

Those convicted of DUI will find themselves with a permanent criminal record which can cause problems in the future in terms of employment, career advances, professional opportunities, and more. Fighting a DUI will require the services of an attorney who focuses on DUI defense, which can be a complex area of law. At the Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC you can enlist the services of a criminal defense lawyer who has extensive experience with state DUI laws. With a background as a chemist and private investigator, Mr. Lawrence brings a unique knowledge and skill set to the cases he handles, which allows him to understand and challenge evidence. He is also a member of the National College of DUI Defense.

The firm serves clients with offices in Everett, Monroe, and Mill Creek and has been recognized with a "Superb" rating of 9.5 out of 10 by Avvo. For a free, initial consultation following your DUI arrest and charge, contact the firm's offices. Learn what your legal rights and options are and how your case can be effectively defended.