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When it comes to driving under the influence charges, it is common for an accused to be shocked that they are facing a possible DUI conviction. After all, many feel fine to drive and may have only consumed what they believed was an amount of alcohol (or marijuana and/or other drugs) that would not put them over the legal limit or make them feel ‘impaired’ or ‘appreciably affected’. The crux of the matter, however, is that it isn’t so much about how one may feel after drinking (or smoking pot and/or taking other drugs), but more about the law simply dictating that certain factors result in a DUI, period. Stated another way, it has nothing to do with one’s feelings, knowledge, intent, or even about his actions being reckless or negligent.
To be succinct, DUI is a social more crime, and thus at times it may be difficult to actually determine if one may actually be committing the crime of DUI when he decides to drink (or use marijuana and/or other drugs) and drive. This is precisely why one should take extreme caution when combining alcohol (marijuana and/or other drugs) with driving; it may result in the unintentional and unknowing act of committing a serious crime that can have possible lifelong implications.
The foregoing is not to say that all driving that takes place after consuming alcohol, marijuana and/or drugs is illegal. To the contrary, it is ok – under the right and acceptable circumstances – to drink (or use marijuana and/or take proscription drugs) and drive. But determining what those right and acceptable circumstances are is a very slippery slope indeed, and is certainly not a ‘one size fits all’ prospect … like it may be for the crimes of theft, assault or any other ‘mens rea’ based crime. In short, any time a person chooses to drive after drinking (or using marijuana and/or taking proscription drugs), he may be taking a risk … perhaps it is an educated one, but it is a risk all the same.
If you or a loved one is accused of DUI you should immediately consult with a qualified Seattle DUI Attorney. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI lawyer, among other things, can quite possibly save the aggrieved person thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, the extent of loss of privilege to drive, and the amount of jail time to be served. We have said it before and will say it again, Washington DUI laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart and consult with a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or drug related DUI in Washington State. SQ Attorneys is here to help – (206) 441-1600.