Washington State DUI numbers seem to be ever increasing, and its DUI laws are tougher than ever before. Prosecuting agencies and law enforcement agencies are taking a “zero-tolerance” policy to drunk driving. Case in point, beginning July 22, 2011, Victim Impact Panels (that 2.5 hour class that DUI defendants attend so as to learn about how DUI’s may impact others) are going to be regulated by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (“WTSC”). By law, the WTSC will be required to establish a Victim Impact Panel “registry”, and it is presumed that Washington courts will be able to deny credit for Victim Impact Panel attendance if the panel attended is not part of the “registry”.

In addition to the foregoing, breath test fees will be increased from $125 to $200, and alcohol/ drug treatment agencies will be required to submit all alcohol/ drug assessments: (1) directly to the court overseeing the case before sentencing, and (2) directly to the Department of Licensing before reissuance of a driver’s license.  As a result, it is anticipated that the number of voluntary alcohol/ drug assessments (not court ordered) will increase in the coming months. For King County courts this will not mark much of a change, but for other Washington county courts and non-King County municipal courts this may modify their operating procedures.

Now, more than ever, it is critical to retain a reputable and qualified Seattle DUI lawyer when arrested for DUI in Washington State. The right Seattle DUI attorney will be worth his/her weight in gold when protecting your 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 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.