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Washington State Laws – Marijuana 101

Written by David O
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Washington State Laws – Marijuana 101

I came across a great poster titled Marijuana 101 when I took my family to a park on Mercer Island last weekend.  The poster lists basic Washington State marijuana law in an easy to understand manner that everyone should have knowledge of.  Here is the information:

Marijuana 101

Marijuana is illegal in Washington for anyone under 21.

Frequent marijuana use can lead to addiction (1 in 6 youth, 1 in 9 adults).

It is illegal to use marijuana in public.

It is illegal to gift or share marijuana.

It is a felony to provide marijuana to a minor.

Driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana is a crime.

Many employers still drug test for marijuana.

It is illegal to purchase marijuana until licensed stores open in December 2013 with the passing of Initiative 502.

Marijuana remains illegal according to federal law.

The following organizations; Washington Discovery Help Line 866-789-7577, King County Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program, Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, Communities That Are, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are associated with Marijuana 101.

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New Proposal For Tougher DUI Laws

Written by David O
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New Proposal For Tougher DUI Laws

Earlier this week Governor Jay Inslee and a bipartisan group of lawmakers shared their proposal to toughen DUI laws and penalties.  Gov. Inslee stated the changing of the DUI laws will be, “the most aggressive, the most effective, the most ambitious”  to have transpired in the State of Washington.

In short, Inslee’s proposal would change DUI laws by;

1.  DUI charges would need to be filed by the city or State of Washington within 48 hours (currently it may take months for DUI charges to be filed).

2.  Washington State will install ignition interlock devices into vehicles of individuals that have been charged with DUI.  The vehicle will not be released to the individual until the installation is complete and functioning properly.

3.  Deferred sentencing will no longer be an option for an individual charged with DUI.

4.  A person found guilty of a DUI for a second time within 7 years will face 6 months in jail or may enter a sobriety program while simultaneously wearing a transdermal bracelet that detects any alcohol consumption.

5.  An individual found guilty of a DUI for the third time within 7 years will face 1 year in jail or may enter a sobriety program while simultaneously wearing a transdermal device. Additionally, the individual would be issued a special driver’s license that would restrict them from purchasing alcohol from restaurants, bars, and stores for 10 years!

Continue to follow David O Defense for continuous updates on Washington State DUI laws changes.

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Seattle Police DUI Squad

Written by David O
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Seattle Police DUI Squad

Here are some interesting facts about the Seattle police “DUI squad.”

1)  While enforcing traffic laws, DUI squad officers have authority to further investigate individuals for DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

2)  DUI squad police may be called to the scene of a car collision to specifically investigate drivers for DUI.

3)  Patrol officers who have stopped an individual suspect of DUI, call DUI squad officers to assist with the investigation of alcohol and/or drug impairment.

4)  Seattle DUI squad officers work late evening hours to early morning hours 7:30PM to  4:30 AM.  The DUI squad police are also required to be on call 24/7 to respond to any situation requiring their DUI expertise.

5)  DUI squad officers appear in court frequently to provide testimony on DUI arrests. DUI charge is the most litigated misdemeanor crime in Washington State.

6)  Most DUI squad officers undergo two weeks of extensive education and certification to become DRE’s (Drug Recognition Experts).  DRE’s have the ability to determine if an individual is under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.

All information listed above was derived from www.seattle.gov

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