If it can happen to you, then it can happen to them … and it actually did earlier this month. Two off-duty Seattle police officers were arrested for investigation of driving under the influence after they allegedly switched seats in a car believed to be involved in a hit-and-run collision. One of the officers allegedly registered blood-alcohol levels of 0.234 percent and 0.247 percent, above the state’s legal limit of 0.08 percent; she told the officer and sergeant that she was driving her boyfriend around. The other officer taken into custody registered blood-alcohol levels of 0.161 and 0.149 percent, according to a second police report.
The incident began when a witness called police and reported that a woman was driving a Nissan Altima with what a police spokesman later described as having significant front-end damage. Officers responded to the scene shortly thereafter, and while searching the area found the car at First Avenue South and South Brandon Street. The car was two to three feet from the curb, with the engine running and “in the roadway.” The initial driver had stopped the car earlier in the middle of the street and switched places with a man in the passenger seat, according to a police statement. Once stopped, Officers recognized the two people in the car as off-duty Seattle officers who appeared to have been drinking, according to the statement. A captain was called to the scene, along with officers assigned to a “Target Zero” holiday emphasis patrol.
The female officer was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence; the other officer was arrested on suspicion of being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. After processing, both officers were released on their personal recognizance, and the car was impounded as part of the investigation. Additionally, the case was referred to the department’s Office of Professional Accountability for an internal investigation.
As these off-duty officer’s can probably attest to, it is imperative that a person charged with DUI in Washington State immediately retain a qualified Seattle DUI lawyer or a qualified Bellevue DUI lawyer. In many instances, a qualified Seattle DUI lawyer can significantly reduce the impact that a DUI charge will have on an individual’s life. The right Seattle DUI attorney will be worth his/her weight in gold when protecting a person’s rights, freedom and future. The Seattle DUI attorneys that make up the litigation team of SQ Attorneys are dedicated to defending those accused of drunk driving. They have the experience, knowledge and resources to successfully defend your case. Unlike other law firms that practice in many areas of the law, SQ Attorneys is focused on criminal defense representation with an emphasis on DUI defense in Western Washington.
If you or a loved one is faced with a DUI charge in Western Washington, you deserve the assistance of a reputable and qualified Seattle DUI attorney who will relentlessly defend your case. You deserve a Seattle DUI lawyer who has an intimate understanding of Washington DUI laws and the legal issues that could win your case. You deserve a Seattle DUI defense attorney who is not afraid to stand up against the prosecution and aggressively fight for your rights and interests. SQ Attorneys is the right Western Washington DUI law firm for the job. Call for a free initial consultation – (206) 441.0900 (Seattle); (425) 998-8384 (Eastside) – it will be the best decision you make all day.