Posts by Paul
New 2016 DUI Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Laws
New 2016 DUI Ignition Interlock Device (IID) laws have recently gone into effect in Washington. Until recently, convicted DUI drivers under a one year Ignition Interlock Device requirement did not have to actually install the required IID in their vehicle until the last four months of their one year IID period. Under the new 2016…
Read MoreWashington's "Move Over" Law
Washington’s “Move Over Law” requires all motorists to change lanes If it’s safe or, if it’s not, to slow down when passing police or any emergency vehicles who have pulled to the side of the roadway and have their emergency lights flashing. Motorists must do this at least 200 feet before and after passing the…
Read MoreSnohomish County District Court Judges rule DUI Draeger Breath Test Results Not Admissible
In October 2016, all the Snohomish County District Court (SCDC) judges ruled that the DUI Draeger breath instrument test results cannot be admitted into evidence in any DUI breath test trials in their four divisions (Lynnwood, Everett, Monroe, and Arlington). Such breath tests are the strongest evidence against DUI defendants. The SCDC judges found that…
Read MoreDriving While Sleep Impaired Traffic Offenses
Many Washington drivers are unaware that they can be charged for sleep impaired dangerous driving. Driving after 18 hours without sleep mimics a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration. Driving after 21 hours without sleep mimics driving over the 0.08% legal limit for alcohol (Source: 2016 Governors Highway Safety Association). So legally driving with too little sleep…
Read MoreSeattle Car Insurance Rates
A recent Seattle area study found that having traffic tickets on your driving record significantly increases your auto insurance rates. Especially for younger drivers (16 to 24) . Quote Wizard, an insurance comparison website, commissioned a just released study to obtain a snapshot of Seattle’s car insurance market. The study surveyed 500 Seattle based drivers.…
Read MoreWork Crew as Alternative to Jail / Fines in King County
There is an alternative to serving jail time and paying off fines / financial obligations imposed by King County District Court judges. Instead, convicted persons can do work crew if authorized by the sentencing judge. Work crew is administered through the King County Community Work Program (CWP). Each work crew day consists of working outside…
Read MoreLynnwood Traffic Camera Tickets
The City of Lynnwood pioneered the use of red light intersection and school zone speeding traffic cameras about 10 years ago. So far its one of the very few cities in Snohomish County to use them. Red light cameras operate in several major Lynnwood intersections. School zone speeding cameras operate during the school day. The…
Read MoreDrivers Beware: Cops now go undercover to catch distracted drivers in Washington State
The person standing on the street corner, wearing regular clothing, might just cost you a $136 ticket. Local law enforcement are now going undercover to catch drivers talking on their cell phones. The undercover officer is in plain clothes, and after spotting you talking on your phone while driving, will radio to the patrol car…
Read More2016 Law Day in Snohomish County District Court (South Division)
Attorney Paul Hanson was pleased to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Judges at the Snohomish County District Court (South Division) in Lynnwood, WA for his volunteer attorney services at the court’s annual LAW DAY events. Attorney Hanson organized LAW DAY student run mock criminal trials for over 875 fifth graders from the local…
Read MoreNew 2016 Criminal Laws – Felony Drunk Driving in Washington State
Felony Drunk Driving (where someone is killed or seriously injured) is changed from a class C felony to a class B felony under House Bill HB2280, effective June 9, 2016. Felony drunk driving now carries a longer prison sentence and a higher fine. Contact Lynnwood / Shoreline DUI attorney Paul Hanson for more details.
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