Tragedies Lead to Potential Changes in State DUI Laws

The new effort to combat drunk driving in our state is getting the fast track at the Capitol. Gov. Jay Inslee wants tougher penalties and more use of ignition interlock systems. And the increased attention to the issue all stems from recent horrific incidents involving repeat drunk drivers. It oftentimes takes tragedies to get lawmakers to act quickly. In this case it was the deaths of two grandparents – and the injuries to their daughter and infant grandchild. Those tragedies, along with the death of a woman hit by a wrong-way drunk driver on Highway 520 earlier this month, have put the governor and state lawmakers in a rush to try to stop the carnage. For four hours in two separate hearings, state lawmakers heard from law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys – and victims’ families. Lawmakers from both parties are seizing the opportunity to call for more jail time for repeat offenders – plus a tag on licenses and IDs putting a 10-year prohibition on buying alcohol after a third offense along with requiring more repeat offenders to have interlock devices installed. The governor’s original bill talked about installing these interlock devices at the impound lot for all first-time offenders, but the industry said that’s just not feasible. The interlock folks at Safe Start say it can be a several-hour process. Plus users need training on how to use them. But those who have them say they work. Both the state House and Senate are working on amendments to streamline the bills and hope to have them ready for week. If you or a loved one is faced with a DUI charge in Western Washington, you deserve the assistance of a reputable and qualified Seattle DUI attorney who will relentlessly defend your case. You deserve a Seattle DUI lawyer who has an intimate understanding of Washington DUI laws and the legal issues that could win your case. You deserve a Seattle DUI attorney who is not afraid to stand up against the prosecution and aggressively fight for your rights and interests. SQ Attorneys is the right Western Washington DUI law firm for the job. Call for a free initial consultation – (206) 441.0900 (Seattle); (425) 998-8384 (Eastside) – it will be the best decision you make all day.