Impaired driving is a dangerous and unfortunately, an all too common crime. It’s also preventable. Whether you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle can cost you more than money and a night in jail. Impaired or drunk driving accidents claim the lives of people on a regular basis
In response, states have been enacting stricter laws to discourage drunk driving. One of the more popular types is the “per se” intoxication law.
Per se laws in DUI generally mean that if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the state’s legal limit, the law considers you intoxicated. Law enforcement needs no further evidence of intoxication or impairment for a DUI case, as “per se” means “by itself” or “on its own.”
These laws make it easier for prosecutors to establish your impairment. All states, except for Utah, have per se DUI laws that find any driver intoxicated with a BAC at or above 0.08%. The legal consequences for commercial drivers is even more serious in regards to their CDL and the suspension that can occur as a result.
Utah recently changed its legal limit to 0.05% with great success and Washington state legislature has been discussing potentially reducing the legal limit for what is considered impairment. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has advocated since 2013 for states to reduce the per se intoxication limit to 0.05%.
These laws show the importance for people who drink to realize that, regardless of how sober you feel and behave, your BAC matters once you get behind the wheel.
Having a driver’s license is a privilege. You’re expected to follow the law and drive with care. If law enforcement reasonably suspects you are operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, they can ask you to submit to chemical tests and field sobriety tests. Implied consent laws mean you imply your consent to these tests when given your driver’s license. While you have the right to refuse these tests, there are immediate consequences for not complying with them.
These tests may include a Breathalyzer to measure the level of alcohol in your system. You may also need a blood test, saliva test, or urine test to verify your BAC. If your BAC is at or above your state’s legal limit, you face a per se charge of driving under the influence.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a DUI/ Physical Control allegation, immediately contact a Seattle DUI Attorney. A Seattle DUI Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle DUI Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their DUI charge, and some times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a DUI should hire a qualified Seattle DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. DUI charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a DUI in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
