Due to the incredibly stiff DUI laws here in Washington that require ignition interlocks for all DUI offenders seeking to drive, nearly 20,000 Washington residents use alcohol sensing devices to drive their vehicles. That very fact makes Washington state one of the top five states for interlock use in the country. This comes after years of legislative lobbying and wrangling.
Interlocks became a Washington DUI sentencing option in 1987; they were invented in the mid-1970’s. They became mandatory for repeat DUI offenders in 1999. And in 2004, Washington became one of the first states in the union to require interlocks for first-time DUI offenders.
It is claimed that interlocks have been effective tools in reducing recidivism in DUI related incidents, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ignition interlocks reduce DUI recidivism by 50 percent when installed.
In light of the foregoing, and in light of recent DUI fatalities in Washington state, Governor Jay Inslee is proposing yet again a new law that would require ignition interlock installation as a condition of release from jail for anyone arrested on DUI charges who has a prior drunken-driving conviction. The proposal is quickly gaining significant traction, and may very well become law in the not so distant future.
Now more than ever, one cited for DUI is well advised to hire a qualified Seattle DUI attorney as soon as possible. Driving Under the Influence allegations in Washington State are extremely serious, and can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with DUI in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle DUI lawyer. The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle DUI defense lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for DUI in Western Washington. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances.