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Washington State to Lower the Legal BAC Limit to .05 to Further Reduce DUI

Written by David O
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Washington State to Lower the Legal BAC Limit to .05 to Further Reduce DUI

In efforts to reduce DUI (driving under the influence) and drunk driving related deaths, lawmakers, federal officials, and state officials have been working vigorously to find effective solutions.  Among recent recommendations, suggested by the National Transportation Safety Board, is for all states to lower the legal BAC (blood alcohol content) limit from .08 to .05.  This recommendation stems from the fact that more than 100 countries already have .05 as their legal BAC limit.   Europe, for example, has experienced significant drops in DUI related deaths, over a 50% reduction, since imposing the .05 limit about 10 years ago.

Just how low is a .05 BAC limit?  For a women weighing approximately 120 pounds, she will reach a .05 BAC after consuming 1 drink.  And for a man weighing around 160 pounds, he will reach .05 just after 2 drinks.

The National Transportation Safety Board realizes their recommendation will be met with much resistance, however as NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said, “Our goal is to get to zero deaths because each alcohol-impaired death is preventable… The tools exist.  What is needed is the will.”

The NTSB reported more than 4 million people a year in United States drive drunk, however only half of those drivers are ever stopped by law enforcement and investigated for DUI.

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Seferian-Jenkins Charged With Misdemeanor DUI

Written by David O
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Seferian-Jenkins Charged With Misdemeanor DUI

An update on UW’s football phenom Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ drunk driving accident that occurred on March 6; the Seattle City of Attorney’s Office has formally charged Seferian-Jenkins with a misdemeanor DUI after receiving his blood alcohol test results of .18, over twice the legal DUI limit of .08.

Immediately after the DUI accident, coach Steve Sarkisian placed the husky tight end on “indefinite” suspension, not allowing Seferian-Jenkins to participate in football practices or have contact with teammates.  In accordance with the University of Washington’s official student-athelete code of conduct,

When a student-athlete has been arrested or charged with a violation of criminal law, the student-athlete will be placed on administrative suspension from all team activities pending further investigation. If the alleged criminal activity would constitute a misdemeanor offense, the head coach may lift the administrative suspension after obtaining the approval of the sport administrator. If the alleged criminal activity would constitute a felony, the administrative suspension may be lifted only upon authorization of the Director of Athletics.’’

coach Sarkisian will be able to lift the suspension when he deems appropriate since Seferian-Jenkins has been charged with a misdemeanor DUI and not any felony charges.  Sarkisian stated in a recent interview, “He has already begun to take the necessary steps to return at the appropriate time.”

Seferian-Jenkins, possibly the nations best college tight end, will likely be back on the football field sooner rather than later.

See my previous blog on Seferian-Jenkins for further details pertaining to his DUI accident and continue to follow our blogs for the latest updates.

 

Written by S.O

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DUI Penalties: First Time Offenders

Written by David O
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DUI Penalties: First Time Offenders

Washington State is known for having some of the toughest DUI penalties in the nation.  These DUI penalties are harsh to prevent repeat drunk driving.  Penalties for a first time DUI offender are dictated by the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) reading taken at the police station, consequences are worse for a BAC result more than .15 or a refusal to blow, than compared to consequences for a BAC result less than .15.

If the BAC result is less than .15; than an individual found guilty of DUI would be facing 1-364 days in jail or 15 days of EHM (Electric Home Monitoring).  Fines range from $941.00 to $5,000.00.  Their Washington State driver’s license would  be suspended for 90 days, and an ignition interlock device would be required in any car they drive.

If the BAC result is more than .15 or refused; than an individual found guilty of DUI would be facing 2-364 days in jail or 30 days of EHM.  Fines range from $1,196.00 to $5,000.00.  Their Washington State driver’s license would be revoked for 1 year if their BAC result was more than .15 or if the individual refused the BAC reading than their driver’s license would be revoked for 2 years.

In addition to jail time, fines, and license suspensions, any first time DUI offender would have to get an alcohol evaluaion and complete the recommended DUI treatment programs.  The judge may also order community service hours or work crew.

Contact the defense lawyers at David O Defense if you have been charged with a DUI.  We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.  Phone number 206-459-6392.

 

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