An 18 year old woman who was recently convicted for driving under the influence, crashing her car, and killing three of her best friends, has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.

The families of the three victims are outraged, and believe that despite the judge’s refusal to follow the 18 year old’s plea agreement, the sentence was not enough; the 18 year old was sentenced to the maximum jail terms allowed by Washington State law. Island County Superior Court Judge Vickie Churchill said she was bound by the state’s sentencing limits, but not the parties’ plea agreement. Judge Churchill gave the 18 year old the maximum sentence of 68 months in prison.

We all love our children greatly, and we all ourselves have been a child. As such, we know what it is like growing up and being “young and impressionable”. As parents the best that we can do is guide our children, as they say … “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it”. In other words, sometimes our best “proactive” or “preventative” efforts are simply not enough. Although true, it is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about – it’s just a fact. Regardless, we must be vigilant in protecting our children’s rights and interests; we cannot let a mistake destroy their future.

To that end, if your teenage or minor child is cited for DUI in Washington State it is imperative that you seek the assistance of a qualified and reputable Seattle DUI attorney. The consequences of a DUI conviction are life-long, and can unnecessarily cause a negative impact on a child’s aspirations and goals in life. The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle DUI lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those charged with DUI in Western Washington and the greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the DUI allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances. Call SQ Attorneys if you or a loved one is cited for DUI in Washington State – it will be the best decision you make all day.