In the state of Washington, the offense of driving under the influence (DUI) is treated as a felony. You can be arrested for DUI if you are pulled over by an officer who has probable cause to believe that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Washington State law prohibits the operation or control of any motor vehicle or vessel by a person who is under the influence of any substance, alcohol or drug, legal or illegal, which so impairs the mental or physical capacity that the person person cannot operate or control that vehicle in the same manner as a cautious person who is not damaged or is operating at full capacity.
RCW 46.61.502 states that a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving constitutes drunk driving and is a violation. This statute pertains to adult drivers 21 years of age or older and also addresses the drug problem.
RCW46.61.504 also prohibits persons 21 years of age or older with blood levels of 0.08 or greater from being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
· Commercial drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 or greater per RCW 46.25.120.
RCW 46.61.503 finds drivers under the age of 21 in violation if blood alcohol levels reach or exceed 0.02 within two hours of physically controlling or operating a motor vehicle.
Driving under the influence of any kind is against the law. Again, the nature of the impairment, whether alcohol or drugs, legal or illegal, is irrelevant. The determining factor is disability and whether or not the driver is mentally and physically capable of controlling the vehicle in a manner comparable to that of a prudent person in full possession of his faculties.
Washington State’s implied consent law allows law enforcement to impose field sobriety tests on any driver who exhibits suspicious driving as a condition of obtaining driving privileges. As an administrative agency, the Department of Licensing issues a state driver’s license based on the driver’s willingness to provide proof of acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC) levels at a traffic stop. Therefore, if a suspected driver refuses a legally required field sobriety test, or their test results reveal a BAC of 0.08 or higher, the Licensing Department will automatically revoke driving privileges.
If you have been charged with a DUI offense in Washington, it is absolutely essential that you meet with a DUI attorney who can explain the process and your rights. A DUI conviction has very serious and long-term effects on his life and can result in jail time, loss of driving privileges and even the loss of his career. If you have been pulled over for DUI, you can learn more about your legal rights by visiting http://www.vancouverlaw.net