Earlier this year a major change in Washington State DUI law occurred. The bill responsible for the change was SB 6413, which drastically altered what can be considered a "prior offense" when it comes to DUI sentencing. Prior to this change, if you were arrested for a DUI your sentence generally was determined by the number of "prior offenses" you had, i.e. how many DUI’s or DUI’s reduced to a lesser charge (Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, Negligent Driving 1 Degree or Deferred Prosecution) you had for criminal history. SB 6413 changes things. Now a prior offense can include (in addition to those mentioned above) any of the following: (1) driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence, (2) a BUI, (3) operating an aircraft while under the influence, (4) operating an off road vehicle while under the influence, and even (5) operating a snowmobile while under the influence.
DUI laws in Washington State continue to get a lot tougher and this new law only shows how difficult things are becoming. So be smart when cited for DUI, immediately seek the assistance of a Seattle DUI lawyer. A qualified and trained Seattle DUI attorneys will sift through the myriad and numerous defenses in a Washington DUI case. So if facing a DUI, do not go it alone and do not just hire some ‘general’ practitioner. Washington DUI laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney. Be smart … hire a qualified, skilled Seattle DUI lawyer when arrested for DUI in Washington State.