Those arrested for drunken driving will see their cars impounded in a new law that went into effect last Friday. If arrested for a DUI contact your Seattle DUI Lawyer at SQ Attorneys immediately.
There also is a mandatory 12-hour hold at towing companies before a vehicle can be released. It’s all part of a new law passed by the Washington Legislature this year.
The 2011 Legislature passed the law after realizing that people released after being arrested for driving under the influence could quickly end up behind the wheel again, said the Washington State Patrol.
Because of limited jail space, when someone is arrested for suspicion of drunken driving they typically have been released to another adult or allowed to take a taxi home. But sometimes the driver would return to his or her car and drive away.
The State Patrol points to a 2007 incident where a jury awarded $5.5 million to a woman injured in a crash with a drunken driver. The judgment was against Whatcom County and the State Patrol.
The jury found the State Patrol negligent because the woman took a cab back to her car after being arrested for drunken driving. Then she was involved in an accident, seriously injuring another driver.
Under the new law, there are three exceptions to the 12-hour requirement: If the car is owned by someone other than the person arrested, the owner can reclaim the car at the impound lot; a registered co-owner can claim the car; and commercial and farm vehicles can be reclaimed by the legal owner if it’s not the person arrested.
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 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.