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The Washington State Patrol releases “Drive High, Get a DUI” Campaign

The Washington State Patrol releases “Drive High, Get a DUI” Campaign

Last month, the Washington State Patrol began their new campaign, “Drive High, Get a DUI,” to educate the public that it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana.  The slogan, “Drive High, Get A DUI” was written to be straight forward and clear, warning drivers that if they are under the influence of marijuana while driving than they could be arrested and charged with DUI.  The campaign officially began on July 1st to coincide with the first day marijuana retail stores opened their doors to the general public.

While marijuana seems to be the primary focus of the campaign, “Drive High, Get A DUI” also applies to other drugs and substances that produce a high effect.  “We see a lot of folks that are impaired by glue, by paint, by prescription and non prescription medication,” said Washington State Trooper, Jeff Sevigney.  Any driver that is under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, drugs, and/or substances could be arrested and charged with DUI.  “The bottom line is don’t drive while you’re impaired,” warns Trooper Sevigney.

In effort to enforce the campaign, Washington State law enforcement agencies have increased their officer training programs to help them better identify individuals that are under the influence of marijuana, drugs, and/or substances.  The sheer number of troopers and patrol units on the streets has also been increased and will be maintained throughout the summer.

“Procedures are still the same.  Troopers are looking for drivers that are under the influence,” explains Trooper Sevigney. “We recommend that you don’t carry it in your vehicle because if I smell marijuana in your vehicle I’m going to instantly make sure nobody is impaired while they’re driving,” said Sevigney.

If charged with a marijuana, drug, or substance DUI, the consequences are the same as an alcohol related DUI, which include possible jail time, monetary fines and fees, and loss of driver’s license.

Contact the experienced DUI lawyers at David O Defense if you have been charged with a DUI, 206-459-6392, the legal consultation is free.

 

Written by Sarah Ann

Seattle Space Needle, Seattle Sculpture Park

Prescription Drug DUI for Actor Chris Kattan

Prescription Drug DUI for Actor Chris Kattan

Monday mornings can be lame, knowing the entire work week lies ahead.  This past monday morning was especially bad for actor Chris Kattan…15 hour red-eye flight home, crashing his car into a DOT vehicle on the freeway, failing DUI field tests, and then being arrested for DUI.  Bad monday!

California highway patrol officers reported they received a call from a source that saw Kattan’s Mercedes swerving across lanes on highway 101.  Moments later, Kattan crashed into a Department of Transportation vehicle that was coned in on the side of the freeway.  Luckily Kattan didn’t hit any of the DOT crewmen working on the freeway and nobody was inside the parked vehicle.

Chris Kattan, well-known for his skits on Saturday Night Live, admitted to law enforcement that he had taken prescription drugs and it had affected his driving, alcohol was not involved!  The Highway Patrol still required Kattan to perform the DUI (driving under the influence) field sobriety tests, of which he failed.  Kattan was quite surprised saying I thought I “passed all the tests.”   Kattan was arrested and charged with DUI of drugs.  Washington State and the State California have the same outlook on DUIs; a charge of DUI of drugs is considered the same offense as DUI of alcohol, penalties remain the same.

Being arrested and charged with a crime can cause a whirl wind of emotions; fear, frustration, humiliation, anger, etc.  Kattan was obviously wrapped up in emotion when he recently tweeted to media, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all.”

Bad monday… good luck with the rest of your week, Chris Kattan, be sure to contact a knowledgeable, experienced DUI attorney, it will take a lot of weight off your shoulders.  Here in Washington State, contact Senior Criminal Defense Attorney, David O, if you have received a drug or alcohol related DUI charge or have been in a DUI related accident, 206-459-6392.

 

Written by S.O

Lil Twist, Justin Beiber’s Best Bud – Popped For Marijuana DUI

Lil Twist, Justin Beiber’s Best Bud – Popped For Marijuana DUI

Caught in the act with a lit marijuana blunt, 20-year-old Lil Twist, was arrested by Calabasas police for DUI of drugs.  Police stopped Lil Twist, real name Christopher Lynn Moore, for speeding in BFF Justin Bieber’s stealthy chrome Fisker Karma.  When law enforcement approached the vehicle to question Lil Twist, police allegedly saw a lit joint in the car with additional undisclosed amounts of marijuana.  Lil Twist was arrested and booked on suspicion of DUI of drugs.  The police reported he was not DUI based on alcohol.

Although Lil Twist has been charged with a DUI based on drug consumption the penalties are the same as if he was DUI based on alcohol.  Here in Washington State, the fact you are a minor and have been arrested for DUI does not necessarily mean you would be charged as a minor DUI, y0u would have to qualify.  To qualify as a minor DUI the individual would have to be under the age of 21 years and would have a breath test of at least .o2 but less than .08 or a marijuana THC concentration of above .000 but less than .05.  The penalties for a minor DUI include a fine ranging from $0-$1,000.00 and a maximum of 90 days in jail.

 

Written by S.O