Driving Under the Influence

Driving Under the Influence is a serious crime in the State of Washington. Prosecutors are aggressive and with mandatory minimum DUI penalities it is necessary to retain an experienced attorney.
Driving Under the Influence is a gross misdemeanor. A person may be convicted of DUI if the person was operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .08 or above. A driver can also be convicted of DUI if it can be proved the person was operating a motor vehicle while the ability to operate the vehicle was affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Conviction of a DUI will result in license suspension, fines, and jail time.

Boating Under the Influence is a misdemeanor. A person may be convicted of BUI if the person was operating a vessel with an alcohol concentration of .08 or above. A person may also be convicted of BUI if it can be proved the person operating the vessel was affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Conviction of BUI can result in jail time and fines. However, there are no mandatory minimum jail terms unlike DUI. A conviction for BUI does not affect a driver’s license.

How can you find a qualified drunk driving lawyer?
Do I have a choice of chemical tests? Which should I choose? In most states, you have a choice — of breath, blood or urine. If you choose breath, many jurisdictions permit you to have a second test of blood or urine; this is because a breath sample is not saved and so cannot later be re-analyzed by the defense. In California, only blood or breath are offered, unless neither is available in which case urinalysis is possible; a blood sample will be taken if requested after a breath test is given.