Washington state prosecutors who handle DUI cases may be able to seek harsher sentences under a bill passed by the Senate on Friday February 14, 2014. The new legislation expands the types of prior offenses that can be used in sentencing, and gives a more comprehensive picture of an offender's criminal past. Senator Joe Fain (R-Auburn, 47th Legislative District), who put the bill forward to the Senate, said, "Keeping dangerous drivers off the roads is an essential public safety priority for all Washingtonians. Prosecutors must have the tools to pursue sentences that address the severity of past actions under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By allowing the courts to look at a broader pattern of behavior, we can make progress toward keeping families safe." The new bill received unanimous support from the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
If you or a loved one gets in a bind as a result of a DUI contact a Seattle DUI attorney immediately. A DUI attorney is not going to judge you, and we all understand that people make mistakes. Hiring a Seattle DUI attorney to help can – at a minimum – reduce those penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their DUI charge. So it should go without saying that someone cited for DUI should hire a qualified Seattle DUI attorney as soon as possible. Driving Under the Influence charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with DUI in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle DUI lawyer.