Newsroom

Under Washington law physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence is defined by RCW 46.61.504, which states:

(1) A person is guilty of being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person has actual physical control of a vehicle within [...]

The alcohol montoring ankle bracelet commonly known as SCRAM, which is being ordered by courts all over Washington, can give positive results for alcohol even if a defendant has not had a single drink.

As discussed in a previous blog, in 2009 the Washington State Patrol instituted a pilot “Ignition Interlock Compliance Program.” As part of that program, Washington State Patrol troopers are knocking on the doors of drivers who, after a Washington State DUI arrest or conviction, are required to have an ignition interlock device installed …

Washington State DUI law currently includes a little-known provision that turns your car into a four-wheeled police agent, ready and willing to notify the police when it senses that a DUI probation violation may have occurred. Recall that in several situations, a citizen accused or convicted of a Seattle DUI or Washington …

Technology is wonderful.  However, it can be liberating or it can be a ball and chain. In DUI cases, more and more frequently these days, judges are using technology to monitor people who were arrested and charged with DUI, but who have not yet been found guilty of anything. These citizens are simply awaiting their day in court [...]

Believe it or not, Judges are ordering citizens who are charged with DUI into “probation” before there is even a conviction.  Most people find this puzzling, since probation should come AFTER a conviction, not before.  Traditionally, probation is a period of time after a criminal conviction where a citizen is ordered by a Judge to [...]