A few weeks back the Washington State Senate moved to reduce DUI lab delays by permitting certified private laboratories to test blood samples, which, in turn, would relieve the pressure on the Washington State Patrol toxicology laboratory from having to handle the testing of all of the State’s blood samples. Currently, the state has an enormous backlog of untested blood samples. It has been taking, in some cases, nearly a year to get blood results back and for criminal cases to be processed. For DUI’s, according to government officials, that means suspected impaired drivers continue to drive the streets of Washington unabated, creating, they say, a serious danger to the community at large. Prosecutors claim delays weaken cases and delay accountability. Current, Washington law only allows the WSP Toxicology Lab to test blood samples in Washington, not private agencies. If passed, SB 5880 would allow local jurisdictions to contract with accredited private laboratories to test blood samples obtained by law enforcement. The bill is now before the House.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a DUI/ Physical Control allegation, immediately contact a Seattle DUI Attorney. A Seattle DUI Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle DUI Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their DUI charge, and some times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a DUI should hire a qualified Seattle DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. DUI charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a DUI in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
