July 4th Emphasis Patrols are out! Don't get stopped!

Every July 4th (and every holiday for that matter) the Washington State Patrol and other police agencies conduct DUI Emphasis Patrols in anticipation of an increased number of DUI drivers.  Don't be one of those persons stopped for DUI.

Take a cab, call a friend or find some other form of public transportation to get you safely home if you have been drinking.  Remember, as I always say, it isn't against the law to drink and then drive, but with these DUI patrols the law enforcement person who may contact you will arrest you if they smell any alcohol.

What do you do if stopped and you have had something to drink?  Read my advice on whether to take field tests or not at http://www.webbattorney.com/field-sobriety-tests.  Also, always contact an attorney at the station before you submit to any breath test, even if it is a public defender, they can provide the proper advice in these circumstances and can then be a useful witness if your case is filed.

Also, if you are out on a boat and are stopped for a "wake violation" and charged with Operating a Vessel While Under the Influence or BUI as we commonly refer to it, give us a call to discuss your options (or visit - http://www.webbattorney.com/bui-boating-dui.php).

Remember the best way to avoid a DUI is to not drink and drive, but if you or a loved one, or an acquaintance is stopped and arrested for DUI, have them contact our attorneys for immediate assistance at (425) 398-4323.

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About the author:

Nathan Webb, is a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer.  His practice of 10 years emphasizes DUI defense.  He has been repeatedly recognized as one of Seattle's Best Attorneys! He has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Seattle DUI Attorneys by Seattle Met Magazine, and Repeatedly named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in the area of DUI Defense by Washington Law and Politics Magazine, and is Rated Superb for DUI Defense (perfect 10.0 out of 10.0) by Avvo.com

Boating Under The Influence Laws changed this past year!

Boat operators, watch out!  The legislature enacted stiffer penalties for Operating a Vessel Under the Influence, what is commonly referred to as a BUI (Boating Under the Influence).  The new changes became effective July 28, 2013, in an obvious attempt to start enforcing the statute during SeaFair coming up this weekend.  Be very careful having anything to drink while standing anywhere near the wheel of a boat, these law enforcement officers are vigilant and will stop boats for the slightest infraction or just board to ensure the proper number of life jackets are on board.

One noteworthy change is that previously no one who operated a vessel was deemed to have given consent to participate in a breath or blood test if arrested on suspicion of BUI, but the legislature has now changed that presumption.  Now, if a boater arrested for BUI refuses a breath or blood test, he or she is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000.  Unlike a DUI, a refusal cannot be used against you in a criminal trial, but the individual is subjected to the civil penalty.

Your best bet is to refrain from drinking and operating the boat, but if you or someone you know is in that situation, it is best to refuse all field sobriety tests and, if arrested, consult with an attorney prior to the administration of a breath or blood test.

Contact Nate Webb (425) 398-4323 if you have any questions about a BUI arrest.

 

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About the author:

Nathan Webb, is a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer.  His practice emphasizes DUI defense.  He has been repeatedly recognized as one of Seattle's Best Attorneys! He was recognized as a Top Seattle DUI Attorneys by Seattle Met Magazine, Repeatedly named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in the area of DUI Defense by Washington Law and Politics Magazine, and Rated Superb for DUI Defense (10.0 out of 10.0) by Avvo.com.