This past weekend law enforcement agencies in Snohomish County conducted widespread emphasis patrols. Representatives from Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Lynnwood Police Department, Mountlake Terrace Police Department, Lake Stevens Police Department, Edmonds Police Department, Everett Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol conducted high visibility patrols throughout Snohomish County. The 420 marijuana and alcohol emphasis patrols were part of the Target Zero initiative; the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission is working on eliminating traffic related deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
It was expected that the weekend would be especially lively because marijuana smokers were celebrating the legalization of marijuana via initiative 502 in 2012. In King County alone State troopers arrested 19 people for driving under the influence on Friday night and another 13 on Saturday. Notwithstanding the emphasis on ‘stoned’ driving, it is not yet clear how many of the drivers arrested were impacted by marijuana vs. alcohol and/or other drugs. Last year during the 4/20 ‘weed day’ celebration 10 DUI arrests were made in King County alone. Luckily, at least for our King County freeways, it was determined that there were no serious injury accidents over the 4/20 celebratory weekend.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI (whether it was on 4/20 or otherwise) you should immediately contact a Seattle DUI defense 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.
