Over 200 Seattle Drunk Drivers Arrested in 15 Days

Since the beginning of 2020, Washington State Patrol has arrested 200 drivers for driving under the influence. These arrests were made in and around Seattle, including King, Pierce, and Thurston counties. Troopers have been patrolling major highways in the area, on the lookout for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

One of those arrests occurred after a suspected drunk driver crashed into another car on the southbound I-5 off-ramp in Northgate. Two people were trapped and had to be extricated from the wreckage. Another passenger was ejected from the car. All three victims, plus the drunk driver, were taken to a local hospital. Two of the victims were in critical condition.

According to state patrol officers, many of the drivers were arrested during the day. Daytime DUI drivers are usually either functioning alcoholics or under the influence of marijuana or prescription pills. Nighttime DUI drivers that are arrested have typically consumed too many alcoholic drinks that night.

While the number of drunk drivers in the first two weeks of the new year has decreased slightly, it hasn't decreased much. Even with the rise of ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber, drivers are still choosing to drive under the influence. When arrested, they face severe legal penalties and consequences.

Driving Drunk in Seattle is a Crime

In Seattle, if you are over the age of 21, it is against the law to drive with a BAC over 0.08%. If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of just 0.02%. If you are driving a commercial vehicle at the time, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.04%. Drivers who are arrested and charged with drunk driving can face serious penalties, including the loss of their driver’s license and even jail time. Refusal to submit to a blood or breath test will result in an automatic license suspension. This can affect your ability to get to work, school, or medical appointments.

Washington state does not take drinking and driving lightly. As such, you face extreme penalties when you are convicted of DUI. These include:

• License suspension
• Fines
• Jail time
• Loss of vehicle
• Ignition interlock device
• Alcohol/drug education
• Community service
• License revocation

After you are arrested and charged with DUI, you likely have many questions about your drunk driving charges. How will this affect my future? Is it possible to fight these charges? Where can I turn for help?

Fighting drunk driving charges is not easy. Your attorney will need to review your situation and help determine the best course of fighting these accusations. Perhaps the police officers did not perform the testing correctly or failed to read you your rights? Perhaps the breathalyzer was not calibrated correctly? If this is your first offense, your DUI defense lawyer may be able to have the charges against you reduced to reckless or negligent driving. In some cases, you may even be able to get your charges dismissed.

Getting Help From Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lewis & Laws, PLLC

If you are charged with a crime in Seattle or surrounding communities, you need a lawyer on your side from the start. Contact an experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your future. Criminal charges could ruin your life, and you could spend years behind bars. The experienced lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC,  have successfully defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland.

Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form.  We are here to help you through this difficult time, and we work hard to protect you every step of the way.