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

Written by David O
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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

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Is Your Driver’s License Suspended from a DUI? You May be Eligible for an IIL Drivers License

Written by David O
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Is Your Driver’s License Suspended from a DUI? You May be Eligible for an IIL Drivers License

If your Washington State driver license has been suspended or revoked because of a DUI or other drug and/or alcohol related offense, you may be eligible for a IIL, or Ignition Interlock Driver License.  For many, having the ability to drive is a necessary part of life; going to doctors appointments, picking up kids from daycare, driving to and from work etc, and filling out paper work and paying monthly costs is worth having their driving capabilities restored by obtaining an IIL.

You may qualify for an Ignition Interlock Driver License if you meet all of the following requirements:

  • You must have an unexpired Washington State driver license.
  • You have a Washington State residential address.
  • You have an arrest or conviction of any of the following;  1) DUI or physical control involving drug or alcohol, 2) reckless driving, 3) vehicular assault involving drugs or alcohol, or 4) vehicular homicide involving drugs or alcohol.
  • Your current suspension or revocation doesn’t include and of the following; 1) minor in possession, or 2) habitual traffic offender, suspended 1st degree.

Along with a IIL you must also install and maintain an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive.   An ignition interlock device is an instrument installed in or near the steering wheel of your vehicle that will require you to blow into before you can start the vehicle.  Your BAC, or blood alcohol content, blow must be under .025 for the vehicle to start.

To apply for an IIL you must:

  1. Install an ignition interlock device on vehicles you will drive.  The installer will send the proof of installation to the Department of Licensing.  See our recommended list of DUI / Reckless Driving Ignition Interlock Companies by clicking here.
  2. Obtain SR-22 car insurance.
  3. Complete a Restricted Driver License Application, available on the Washington State Department of Licensing website, www.dol.wa.gov.
  4. Submit the application and fee.

If the DOL approves your application they will mail or email or Ignition Interlock Driver License when your license suspension or revocation begins.  Once you have your IIL you may legally drive your ignition interlock equip vehicle as long as you maintain and pay for the ignition interlock device and SR-22 insurance.

If you have been arrested and/or charged with a DUI, reckless driving, or any other drug and/or alcohol charge in Washington State, contact the qualified DUI and criminal defense attorneys at David O Defense to schedule a free consultation, 206-459-6392.  They will listen to your case and answer any questions you may have, including questions concerning driver license suspension.

 

Written by Sarah Ann

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Yolanda Foster’s Daughter Busted for DUI

Written by David O
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Yolanda Foster’s Daughter Busted for DUI

Seventeen year old, Bella Hadid, got herself in a bit of L.A. trouble by receiving a DUI charge early Tuesday morning.  Allegedly, Bella was driving on Pacific Coast Highway around 4 am when she blew through a stop sign and almost rear ended a L.A. Counties Sheriff’s patrol car.   Reeking of alcohol, officers suspected the young lady was DUI.  The aspiring model’s DUI breathalyzer results revealed a BAC level of .14, nearly twice the California legal DUI limit of .08.  To make matters worse, Bella was driving on a suspended drivers license.  She was arrested for DUI and was hauled off to jail.

Luckily, Bella’s parents came to her rescue.  Reality TV star , Yolanda Foster, came to her daughter’s aid and bailed her out of jail.  Former Dutch supermodel, Yolanda, is well-known for being one of the elite ladies on the hit show Beverly Hills Real Housewives.  Sources also report that Grammy winner, David Foster, step dad to Bella, was also at the police station with his wife Yolanda.

In Washington, a minor DUI is considered a simple misdemeanor, similar to a negligent driving 1st degree.  However,  for a minor to be charged with a minor DUI the breath test or blood test results must be within a range of .02 to .07.  If a minor had a breath test or blood draw above a .07 then the minor would be charged as an adult.

Based on Bella’s BAC results she will be charged as an adult for DUI.  If California is similar to Washington, she could face up to a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine.  Don’t forget the license suspension.  In Washington, for a first time DUI offender with a breath test result under a .15 the license suspension would be for 90 days.  The driver would be eligible to drive during the suspension period if they decided to apply for an ignition interlock license.  To get this, the driver obviously would need to get an ignition interlock device installed.

Since, Bella’s license was already suspended her suspension period could last longer than 90 days depending on why her license was suspended in the first place.  In Washington, if she was eligible to reinstate her license but just forgot to then it would be considered a Driving While License Suspended in the 3rd degree.  If she was not eligible to reinstate her license she could be charged with driving while license suspended in the 2nd degree.  In this case, her license will be suspended for an additional year, consecutive to any other suspension she is dealing with.

Good luck Bella, the next step now is to hire a reputable DUI lawyer to fight your case!

 

Written by DUI defense attorney, David O

Co-Written by Sarah Ann

 

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