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.
