And the saga still continues ... the government keeps ratcheting down on DUI’s in Washington State. In step with this continuing policy our state Legislature recently passed a bill that would raise penalties for felony-level driving under the influence convictions in Washington State. After clearing the House in February House Bill 2280 passed the Senate on a unanimous vote on March 2, 2016. The Bill now heads to the desk of Governor Jay Inslee, who is sure to sign it into law.
Currently, under Washington DUI law a fourth DUI in 10 years is only a gross misdemeanor, but a fifth DUI within 10 years is a Class C felony, which carries a maximum of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. Bill 2280 will make that fifth DUI conviction a Class B felony, which has a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine or both. In essence, the punishment for a fifth DUI (within 10 years) will be doubled. A DUI is also a felony for someone who previously committed vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while intoxicated. That fact will remain the same regardless of the passing of Bill 2280.
If you, or a loved one, have been arrested and cited for DUI in Washington State you should immediately seek the assistance of a Seattle DUI lawyer. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI attorney, among other things, can quite possibly save a person thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, extent of loss of privilege to drive and amount of jail time to be served. Washington traffic laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart … hire a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or a drug related DUI in Washington State.