Legislators considering changes to Washington drunk driving laws

April 24, 2013

Legislators considering changes to Washington drunk driving laws

Article provided by Twyford Law Office
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Washington motorists are very familiar with the dangers of drinking and driving. Advertising campaigns inform drivers that police will be actively targeting those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Legislators continue to strengthen the penalties that are in place for a conviction, ensuring that the state's laws remain some of the toughest in the country.

When someone is killed or injured by an allegedly drunk driver, this can increase the attention that is focused on DUI laws within the state. Washington has experienced several high-profile DUI cases lately that have led officials to reconsider current DUI laws.

At a recent meeting between legislators, attorneys, judges, police and victims of DUI accidents, participants discussed some of the changes that could be made. These proposals may include reducing the amount of repeat DUI convictions that would result in a person being charged with a felony.

Currently, an individual must be convicted with DUI five times in ten years before felony charges will be brought; the proposed changes may lower that number to three or four. Additionally, those present also discussed potentially imposing lifetime driving bans on those individuals who had multiple DUI convictions.

The timing of some of the penalties may be changing as well. Some at the meeting called for the installation of ignition interlock devices at the time the individual is charged, rather than waiting for a conviction, which could place a significant financial strain upon those facing charges.

The meeting was only the first step toward changing the DUI laws within the state. Legislators will take some of these ideas and add them to the new legislation that is expected shortly. If these new proposals become law, more people may find themselves facing jail time for convictions of repeat offenses. More people sentenced to jail or prison will result in higher costs for the state, which could place an additional strain on funds currently available.

If you have been charged with drunk driving, speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area to better understand the options that are available in your situation. An attorney can review your case to determine if police followed all procedures properly, and ensure that your rights remain protected throughout the process. Remember, anything that you tell police after you are stopped may eventually be used to obtain a conviction.

Once you learn more about the potential penalties that may be imposed, you can make the decisions that are best for your future. Do not think that pleading guilty will make the case disappear, because the penalties that you may face for any other convictions will only increase.