Like so many other types of crimes, a DUI suspect does not have to actually be witnessed committing a crime. In other words, officers can act on a tip(s), as was the case last week when Seattle police arrested a man after he careened into several other vehicles and ended up in a Belltown storefront window.
The 911 calls started coming in around 9:30PM on September 20th. Callers said a Toyota sedan was striking cars on our downtown roadways. Ultimately, the sedan crashed through a storefront window and remained in place. Officers arrived and arrested the man. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center where his blood was drawn and the samples will be tested by the Washington State Patrol toxicology lab, the agency that tests all blood samples in the state of Washington.
The man was booked into custody by the police for Hit and Run, DUI, and Negligent Driving 1st Degree. Now it is up the City Attorney’s Office to elect to charge him with a crime(s). So, no … police do not always have to witness a crime in progress to have sufficient cause to arrest someone, RCW 10.31.100.
If you or a loved one is cited/arrested for a criminal charge (DUI or otherwise) don’t hesitate to hire a qualified Seattle DUI Lawyer. The Seattle DUI Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle DUI attorneys that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those cited or charged all across 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 allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.
