It has been a hot topic in the local news lately – distracted driving. There has been a consistent effort by all branches of the government to curb the habit of drivers to use their cellular devices while on our roadways. The law enforcement arm of government is now on the clock. Police departments across Washington state have officially added patrols to crack down on distracted driving in the first two weeks of this month. April is no longer just the month that precedes May flowers, it is the month that will shower down on drivers using their mobile devices unlawfully.
Approximately 6,000 extra law enforcement hours conducted by 150 law-enforcement agencies will be spent cracking down on distracted driving on Washington’s roadways. During a similar campaign in April 2014, officers issued 5,412 citations for distracted driving, that is more than double a typical month’s worth of traffic infractions.
The current penalty for distracted driving (texting while driving or to holding a conversation with the cellphone next to an ear) is $136. As noted in previous posts, earlier this year the House and Senate have passed versions of a tougher “driving under the influence of electronics” act. The Act broadens the law to include watching video, using any handheld device (not just a phone) or using dashboard-mounted devices beyond a simple finger touch. The tougher act and penalties related thereto are set to take effect in January 2018.
If you or a loved one is cited or charged with a law violation, you should immediately seek the advice and/or assistance of a qualified Seattle criminal defense attorney. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal defense lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime 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.
