Washington DUI Checkpoints

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DUI problem in Washington State: Are DUI Checkpoints and roadblocks the answer?

Early this week it was noted that a legislative group is recommending DUI sobriety checkpoints or better known as DUI roadblocks. It appears that the debate about DUI roadblocks is once again going to be in the forefront. However, currently Washington State is one of the few states that consider DUI roadblocks and checkpoints unconstitutional.

In Seattle v. Mesiani, 110 Wn.2d 454 (Wash. 1988) – The found that the checkpoint program failed the balancing test of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The court reversed the judgment of the appellate court which upheld the validity of sobriety checkpoints because the checkpoints violated Read more →

First Washington DUI

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Fist Washington DUI, should I be worried?

You’ve been a good driver, with a clean record, you have a good job and are a pillar of the community. You got pulled over and arrested for a Washington state DUI, should you be worried?

The Simple answer is, yes. However, for most people it is not the end of the world but it is serious. You will be facing the possibility of mandatory jail, classes, license suspension, and very large fines plus all the extra costs. For many people there may be addition worries such as, will I lose my job? Are their immigration consequences?

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Washington DUI Probable Cause

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Former White House correspondent and New Anchor Sam Donaldson’s Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge was dismissed this past Friday. News sources report the judge dismissed after determining the police officer lacked probable cause to arrest him.

What does probable cause to arrest mean in Washington State?

Probable cause is a fairly low standard, however requires the police officer to have more than a bar suspicion before executing an arrest. for DUI.  The judge should specifically analyze the case upon the totality of facts and circumstances that the officer knew before making the DUI arrest.

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