New DUI Enforcement Campaign

A recent news release from my local paper states that the King County Sheriff and many other local law enforcement agencies are dramatically stepping up their efforts to locate impaired drivers between August 12th and September 6th. What this means for those who may be stopped for driving under the influence is likely months and, often, years of expense, embarrassment, and dealing with the effects of a criminal conviction.

Even a modest amount of alcohol in your system can result in criminal charges. While the legal limit is .08, you can be charged with a criminal offense if the arresting officer believes that your driving is “impaired”. The “proof” of this impaired driving is often based on the observations of the officer and the results of your field sobriety test.

Now you are under no legal obligation to take a field sobriety test, but may people believe that they must do so. There may be exceptions, but I have never seen a “passing” result from these tests. You may be told that you are doing well, but when the police report comes back – guess what? You failed!

The best thing to do is be pleasant and cooperative, but refuse to give any information about your alcohol consumption or agree to take a field sobriety test until you have spoken with an attorney. If you are arrested, you must insist on talking to an attorney – it is your constitutional right. After a private conversation with the attorney provided, you will be able to make much better informed decisions.
You have many important legal rights – use them!