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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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DUI Defense Attorneys to Participate in the Walk for Rice Fundraiser

Written by David O
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DUI Defense Attorneys to Participate in the Walk for Rice Fundraiser

This coming Saturday, June 28th, the DUI defense attorneys at David O Defense will be participating in the Walk for Rice fundraiser.  What is the Walk for Rice?  It is a 2.5 mile walk/run open to all age participants and leashed dogs, that raises funds to help the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) buy food for the ACRS Food Bank.

According to the Asian Counseling and Referral Service, “ACRS Food Bank is the one of the most visited food banks in King County, and the only one in the state that regularly acquires foods to meet Asian Pacific dietary needs. More than 5,000 people a year rely on our Food Bank and Nutrition Programs to have enough to eat. Most are children under 18 years old or seniors over 55; most come from low-income, Asian Pacific American households. The food bank, located in Seattle’s International District, provides items like rice, tofu, ramen, fish and fresh produce. Our goal is to help clients lead healthy lives with nutritious food options.”

Want to participate in the Walk for Rice too?  If so, the walk is located at Seward Park 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle WA, from 8AM to 12:30 PM.  There is no cost, the walk is free, ARCS only asks for your support by fundraising or by donating food and / or money.  They even accept unopened bags of rice on site.  Visit walkforrice.kintera.org for more information on ACRS and the Walk for Rice.

The DUI defense lawyers at David O Defense believe every small act they contribute beyond themselves will have a positive impact on someone else.  Every Grain Counts – Walk for Rice

 

Written by David O, Senior DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney

Co-Written by Sarah Ann

 

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What To Expect At A DUI Arraignment

Written by David O
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What To Expect At A DUI Arraignment

Here’s what you can expect at a DUI arraignment, but first I will answer the commonly asked question of “What is an arraignment?”   My definition of arraignment is; the first court hearing in which a criminal defendant is told of the charges in an indictment, information, or complaint and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

Now back to what you can expect at a DUI arraignment, simply stated…

1)  You can expect to be in front of a judge and it is likely that the city or state prosecutor will also be present.

2)  You can expect other people to be present in the court room.

3)  You can expect your attorney to be present at your DUI arraignment date if you hired one before your arraignment court date.

4)  You can expect your attorney to advise you of your rights.

5)  Next you can expect the judge or prosecutor to tell you the crime you have formally been charged with.

6)  You can expect the judge to ask how you would like to plead to the DUI charge, guilty or not guilty?

7)  You can expect to plead not guilty to the DUI charge?

8)  Next you can expect the judge to set conditions of release, which could include; being released on your personal recognizance, bail being set, order to install an ignition interlock device, a prohibition against consuming alcohol or drugs (including marijuana), placement of an alcohol detection device on your person, and no driving if you are uninsured or your license is invalid.

9)  In most jurisdictions, you can expect to receive a copy of your police report from the prosecutor if your attorney is present.

10)  And lastly, you can expect to receive your next DUI court date, which is called the pre-trial hearing.

 

If you have been arrested for DUI and you have received your arraignment date, call David O Defense today to schedule a free DUI consultation.  Our experienced DUI defense attorneys are here to help and will answer any questions you may have.  Call our DUI defense lawyers today, 206-459-6392.

 

Written by DUI defense attorney, David O

Co-Written by Sarah Ann

 

 

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