Recently a new study by AAA came out that shows the number has doubled for positively tested THC drivers in Washington State involved in deadly crashes, which – of course – should be expected in light of the legalization of marijuana. In the five years before legalization, an average of 56 Washington drivers involved in fatal crashes each year were THC positive. In the five years since … that average has jumped to 130. It is well known that THC slows down a person’s response time, concentration and overall acuity. So it is, of course, no shock that there has been a spike in THC related driving incidents with the legalization of Marijuana in Washington State.
THC, like alcohol, is a drug that can impede a person’s ability to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle. This is why the state has set a ‘per se’ limit of 5 nano-grams of THC in a person’s system, similar to the .08 ‘per se’ BAC limit for alcohol. But certainly remember, the government can charge someone for DUI even if they don’t have these ‘per se’ limits in their system. This is so because a person themselves can be under the influence and operating a motor vehicle even if they haven’t reached the levels outlined by the state under the ‘per se’ limits. That said, the government still has to prove that fact – ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI (whether THC or alcohol related), you should immediately contact a Seattle DUI defense attorney. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI lawyer, among other things, can quite possibly save the aggrieved person thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, the extent of loss of privilege to drive, and the amount of jail time to be served. We have said it before and will say it again, Washington DUI laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart and consult with a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or drug related DUI in Washington State. SQ Attorneys is here to help – (206) 441-1600.
