Are even tougher DUI laws on the way? Most likely the answer is, “yes”. After two March DUI related fatalities that involved grandparents, a mother and an 11 day old baby, lawmakers are again weighing-in on how to respond to DUI offenders. As all DUI attorneys know, lawmakers have steadily stiffened penalties for drunken driving over the past 15 years, often through legislation that has been named for the victims of similar incidents. Between making some DUI’s felonies, requiring ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders and last year’s doubling in the prison sentence for vehicular homicide while intoxicated, Washington now has some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States of America.
Although law makers acknowledge that the tightening of DUI laws has made a difference and alcohol related fatalities and alcohol related accidents are down, they appear concerned that they are not coming down fast enough. And the biggest concern of all is the repeat offender. A Seattle Times analysis of nearly 600,000 DUI-related cases between 1998 and 2012 found that one in five defendants had multiple DUI charges. In response, lawmakers recently indicated that they plan to offer a variety of proposals to curb repeat DUI offenses, including making a DUI a felony on the third conviction rather than on the fifth in 10 years.
So, it is easy to see, the government is continuing its pursuit to crack down on DUI offenders. The laws are strict, and are they are only going to get more strict after the latest DUI related tragedy. 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.