In Washington state there are two degrees of Negligent Driving. First degree Negligent Driving occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property and exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or cannabis or any drug or exhibits the effects of having inhaled or ingested any chemical, whether or not a legal substance, for its intoxicating or hallucinatory effects. Negligent driving in the first degree is a misdemeanor. A person convicted of negligent driving in the first degree who has one or more prior offenses as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(14) within seven years is required, under RCW 46.20.720, to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person. Negligent Driving in the Second Degree is an act similar to First Degree Negligent Driving, but is one that does not involve the exhibition of the effects of having consumed liquor or cannabis or any drug or exhibits the effects of having inhaled or ingested any chemical, whether or not a legal substance, for its intoxicating or hallucinatory effects. Second degree Negligent Driving is an infraction. Under Negligent Driving in the first degree, one faces 90 days in jail, a fine of $1,000 and up to 2 years of probation oversight. Negligent Driving in the second degree just involves a monetary fine, generally $525.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge or an infraction (Negligent Driving or otherwise), immediately contact a Seattle Traffic Attorney. A Traffic lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Traffic Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal or infraction charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for an infraction, misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Traffic Lawyer as soon as possible. Infractions and Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with an infraction or a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Traffic Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
