One DUI Charge. Two Separate Cases

A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge in Spokane or anywhere in Washington State will most likely lead to two separate cases: a criminal DUI charge in court and a separate Department of Licensing (DOL) administrative case. These truly are two different and...

What are the penalties for a First DUI?

DUI convictions have a wide range of penalties. Everyone accused of a DUI in Washington State is at risk of: Jail time, Fines, fees and court costs, Loss of driver license, Installing the ignition interlock device, Paying high automobile insurance rates, Attendance at...

What does First Offense DUI Mean?

Most DUI’s in Washington State are misdemeanors and have a 7 year look back period to determine whether it’s a first offense. An old DUI or Physical Control arrest might count as a prior offense or “sentence enhancer” for a new DUI arrest if the old arrest occurred...

DUI Arrests During the Holidays

Historically, DUI arrests are higher during the holiday season than other months. Many people take time off from work around the holidays. They might have an extra drink with dinner or while watching their favorite sports team. Others might travel to their childhood...

Do I have to do Roadside DUI Tests?

Roadside DUI tests or Field Sobriety Tests (FST’s) are supposed to be voluntary. Even if you refuse them, law enforcement can still arrest you for DUI if they observe other signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Recently, a high profile Spokane Resident was arrested for...

When Will a DUI End in a Blood Draw?

A DUI arrest can end with a blood draw in a couple different circumstances. If a law enforcement officer believes a driver is impaired by something other than alcohol, then the officer may try to draw blood as part of the DUI investigation. Another common scenario is...

DUI Detection in New Motor Vehicles

Everyone knows DUI’s are dangerous and potentially deadly. Public service campaigns, driver education and strict DUI laws haven’t eradicated them from our roadways. Two years ago we asked whether technology could reduce driving under the influence and recent...

Pushing the Limits: Alcohol and Marijuana DUI’s

Washington State DUI laws set the legal limit for alcohol .08. This alcohol limit is based on nearly 100 years of medical research. Did you know a few years ago a legal limit for marijuana intoxication was added to Washington’s DUI statutes? That limit is 5 ng of...

Can you get a DUI on a Lime Scooter?

The short answer is no, you can’t get a DUI in Spokane on a Lime Scooter. This doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to drink too much and hop on an electric scooter. You could injure yourself by running into a curb or you could strike a pedestrian crossing the street. You...