Seattle DUI attorneys and Bellevue DUI attorneys alike are on notice that Washington lawmakers are considering charging those convicted of DUI, Vehicular Assault/ Homicide (or sentenced to a lesser charge, or granted a deferred prosecution) higher state fees in the not so distant future. The increased fees would be used to crack down on repeat DUI offenders. House Bill 1167 is one of a number of bills now being considered by the legislature that is aimed at imposing tougher penalties on DUI offenders in Washington State; the overall breadth of the proposed legislative changes range from harsher sentences on first-time DUI offenders to specialty license plates for those folks convicted of certain DUI offenses.
Under House Bill 1167, the state fee (as opposed to any county or municipality fee) incurred as a result of a DUI related conviction would increase from $125 to $200, and a portion of the extra money would be used to fund state grants aimed at: (1) reducing car accidents caused by DUI drivers, and (2) the creation of more specialty DUI courts, which monitor repeat offenders more closely than regular district, municipal and superior courts by conducting in-home and in-field visits, and by implementing technological devices to assist in the court’s oversight of those folks who find themselves in the court’s system. Currently, there are four counties (Clark, Grant, Spokane and Thurston) that have active specialty DUI courts. According to Rep. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, the hope is to help solve potential alcohol/ drug addiction problems, and to help those in the system become healthy, productive members of society. The bill authorizes the creation of a registry of victim impact panels – an awareness program that was created to allow DUI accident survivors the opportunity to share how the accident impacted their lives.
Because of the significant implications a DUI arrest and/or conviction can have, it is imperative that a person charged with DUI in Washington State immediately retain a qualified Seattle DUI lawyer or a qualified Bellevue DUI lawyer. In many instances, a qualified Seattle DUI lawyer can significantly reduce the impact that a DUI charge will have on an individual’s life. The right Seattle DUI attorney will be worth his/her weight in gold when protecting a person’s rights, freedom and future. The Seattle DUI attorneys that make up the litigation team of SQ Attorneys are dedicated to defending those accused of drunk driving. They have the experience, knowledge and resources to successfully defend your case. Unlike other law firms that practice in many areas of the law, SQ Attorneys is focused on criminal defense representation with an emphasis on DUI defense in Western Washington.
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 defense attorney 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.
