Seattle DUI Squad under Investigation

On March 21, 2011 the public was informed that the Seattle Police Department (the “Department”) is investigating allegations that a specialty unit of police officers within the Department – know as “DUI Squad Officers” – mishandled a slew of DUI arrests in the City of Seattle. The Department has since pulled all but one of its members (believed to be Eric Michl) off the DUI Squad. It is believed that the investigation has revealed that not all arrest reports were properly screened and approved in person by a supervisor. This activity directly violates Department policy, which requires hands on supervision during arrests. It is alleged that a supervisor regularly approved DUI arrest reports written by DUI Squad Officers over the phone, not in person. A statement released by the Department has indicated that three members of the DUI Squad, and the Sergeant overseeing the DUI Squad, were administratively reassigned on March 16, 2011, about a month after an in-house auditor began to review some inconsistencies within the DUI Squad; changes are being made to fill the positions that were vacated. The investigation is allegedly in its infancy and may change as new information is developed. The Department says it believes the concerns are limited to the DUI Squad, and does not infiltrate any other branch or unit of the Department. Read the police statement

Because of the significant implications a DUI arrest and/or conviction can have, 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.

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