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Increased DUI and BUI Patrols for the 4th of July Weekend

Written by David O
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Increased DUI and BUI Patrols for the 4th of July Weekend

The 4th of July is just days away and since it falls on a Monday this year, many will have a three-day weekend, hurray!  Talk about a fun holiday; backyard BBQ’s, parades, community gatherings, and of course fireworks.  It’s a great way to remember that back on July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence and declared the United States a new and free nation.

Independence Day typography card. Vector illustration

However, with all this 4th of July summer fun, comes increased drinking and driving, so expect to see a greater presence of law enforcement officers watching the roadways and waterways for DUI’s and BUI’s (driving under the influence and boating under the influence), in efforts to keep all people safe.

Starting today, June 30th, city police and county sheriffs will increase their DUI patrol units.  The increase in law enforcement will continue through the holiday weekend and will start to taper off mid day Tuesday, July 5th.

And for those celebrating the 4th out on a boat in the Seattle waterways, be aware that the coast guard and Seattle police will be out in full force patrolling for possible BUI’s.  Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol while operating a boat.

Here’s what you can do to prevent DUI’s and BUI’s this Independence Day weekend;
  • The simplest solution to avoid a DUI and BUI is to not drink any type of alcohol or partake in any type of drug use.
  • Designate a sober driver; someone who does not consume any alcohol or drugs through out the entire day.
  • If you are a designated driver or a sober driver, be a good defensive driver and be aware there could be an intoxicated driver on the road.
  • If you do decide to drink, don’t drive and take advantage of all the great public transportation options; taxi, buses, Uber, Rideshare, etc.
  • If you see a friend or family member under the influence that wants to drive, try to get their car keys and suggest an alternative way for them to get home safely.  See our blog, “How You can Prevent a DUI – Tips on getting the Car Keys” for helpful hits.

 

Happy 4th of July from David O Defense!  Stay safe this Independence Day and make smart decisions.

 

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Abby Wambach, U.S. Soccer Champ Charged with DUI

Written by David O
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Abby Wambach, U.S. Soccer Champ Charged with DUI

Anyone can make a mistake!  U.S. women’s soccer champion, Abby Wambach, recently made a mistake early this month when she was arrested for DUI after having dinner at a friend’s house.  She has taken the high road, admitting she made a mistake of deciding to drive under the influence of alcohol and more importantly voiced that she will not do it again, “I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.”

Soccer player for DUI blog, "Abby Wambach, U.S. Soccer Star Charged with DUIRetired soccer forward, Abby Wambach, was heading home late Saturday night, April 2nd, when she was arrested for DUI.  According to Portland Oregon police reports, the 35-year old soccer phenomenon ran a red light in her 2014 Range Rover.  Police pulled her over and immediately suspected she had been drinking.  The police asked Abby to take the DUI field sobriety tests and she did trying to be cooperative.

David O Defense always suggests to respectfully refuse to take the DUI field sobriety tests, because they are voluntary tests.  The tests are very difficult on purpose so that individuals will fail.  Even a supreme athlete, such as Abby Wambach, two-time Olympic Soccer gold medalist and six-time winner of soccer athlete of the year, cannot pass the DUI field sobriety tests.

After failing the DUI field sobriety tests Abby was taken to Central Precinct in downtown Portland.  There at the station Abby took a breath test, which she also failed.  She was later released from the precinct after processing.

Soon after Abby released a remorseful message on her Facebook page;

Last night I was arrested for DUI in Portland after dinner at a friend’s house.
Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down.
I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.
I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.
– Abby

The moral of this story is that anyone can make a mistake.  Hopefully most can follow Abby Wambach’s example by owning up to their mistake, doing what needs to be done to correct their mistake, and then making sure it doesn’t happen again.

Good luck with your DUI case!

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The Disney Channel’s “Jessie” Charged with Felony DUI

Written by David O
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The Disney Channel’s “Jessie” Charged with Felony DUI

If you have adolescent kids in your house who watch the Disney Channel, than you have probably caught a glimpse or two of the hit TV shows “Jessie” and “The Sweet Life on Deck.”  Unfortunately, the super starlet of these shows, 22 year-old Debbie Ryan, who plays Jessie on “Jessie” was recently arrested and charged with felony DUI.

According to LA police, Ryan allegedly made a left hand turn and crashed her 2016 Audi into a Mercedes Benz.  When police arrived they suspected Ryan of driving under the influence of alcohol asked her to take the DUI field sobriety tests.  Shortly after, the TV actress was arrested for DUI.  To make matters worse, the driver of the Benz was claiming they were injured during the accident which increased the charge to a felony DUI charge.

In California it is standard procedure for a misdemeanor DUI charge to be increased to a felony DUI charge if an injury is involved.

Here in Washington State, a misdemeanor DUI charge may be charged as a felony vehicular assault charge (RCW 46.61.522) if a person drives a motor vehicle “while under the influence” of alcohol, as defined by RCW 46.61.502, and “causes substantial bodily harm to another.”

Luckily, authorities decided to reduce the felony DUI down to a misdemeanor DUI since the Mercedes driver was not seriously injured and since Ryan’s DUI breath test was fairly low at .11, which is just slightly above California’s legal BAC limit of .08.

Earlier today, Ryan tweeted about the arrest, “Over the last few days I have had the chance to think about my actions, and I wish I had used better judgement. I recognize that I am a role model and have always worked hard to set a good example for my millions of fans. I am so sorry to disappoint everyone.”

Even Disney TV stars can make mistakes!  It sounds like this Disney princess is remorseful and will likely learn her lesson as she and her DUI attorney navigate through her DUI case.

 

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