DUI Update from Bellevue, WA DUI Attorney

As a DUI Attorney in Bellevue, WA, I want to make sure my clients are aware of important changes in DUI prosecution and punishment.

In our last post, we discussed an important change in DUI prosecution and punishment that will be effective on August 1, 2012. This week, we will discuss a few more of the important changes that will also take place next month.

DUI with a child in the vehicle If a child up to the age of 16 is in the vehicle during a DUI or Physical control then it must be documented by the arresting agency, and Child Protective Services must be contacted. Penalties also increase with higher fines and an additional six months of an ignition interlock device.

Ability to remove a DUI from your record In essence, a DUI or Physical control conviction never goes away. Even if you get a DUI reduced to a lesser offense and it counts as a prior offense then it cannot be vacated if the person has a subsequent violation within 10 years.

Employer exemption for ignition interlock device Traditionally, if you drove a vehicle leased or rented by your employer for work, the law did not require you to install an ignition interlock device on that vehicle. After August 2012, however, the employer’s exemption will change slightly. Under the revised law, if you are the sole driver of your employer’s vehicle, then you must arrange to install an ignition interlock device on that vehicle for the applicable probation period.

A DUI conviction carries a heavy burden. It can impact you, your work and your loved ones. Be sure to take note of these changes this summer.