Earlier this month, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law an alcohol ‘good Samaritan’ rule, which grants those under 21 years of age immunity from criminal minor-in-possession-of-alcohol charges when they call for medical help for a drunk friend. The law, approved by the state legislature last month, is meant to encourage minors to call 911 by removing the fear of prosecution for consuming or possessing alcohol while underage. It follows on the heels of a similar law passed in 2010 for drug overdoses. Washington State is now one of 12 states that have passed alcohol ‘good Samaritan’ laws; six other states are considering passing a similar law. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, more than 2,100 underage drinkers were hospitalized in Washington State in 2010.
If you or a loved one is charged with an alcohol related criminal offense in Washington State it is imperative that you seek the assistance of a qualified and reputable Seattle criminal defense attorney. The Seattle criminal 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 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 criminal allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case.