Effective January 1, 2019, those arrested for DUI whose breath or blood alcohol test levels are over 0.08% will have only 7 days to request a Department of Licensing license suspension telephone hearing. Formerly it was 20 days. And the DOL license suspension telephone hearings will be scheduled within 30 days of the arrest. Formerly…

Starting November 21, 2018, Snohomish County law enforcement agencies throughout the county will begin special holiday season DUI patrols.  Police officers from the Washington State Patrol, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and Police Departments from Lynnwood, Lake Stevens, Marysville, and Edmonds will join forces for these combined police DUI patrols.  These holiday DUI patrols will be…

I received this wonderful follow-up letter the other day from a former Deferred Prosecution client.    Good afternoon Mr. Hanson, Almost five years ago, you helped me turn an embarrassing DUI into the ultimate positive turning point of my life. I can now confidently say that it was the best thing that could happen to…

Washington State’s tough distracted driving law went into effect in July 2017. The law makes it illegal to use a handheld device while driving, even while stopped at a traffic signal or stop sign. But users who have holders for the device on their dash, can use the device minimally to start or stop an…

The Seattle Municipal Court will now vacate old misdemeanor marijuana convictions for possession of marijuana that were obtained before marijuana was legalized in Washington in December 2012. About 542 convictions between 1996 and 2010 could be affected. Contact Lynnwood criminal defense lawyer Paul Hanson for more information. Call (425) 778-7339

Washington State Patrol Troopers are doing emphasis patrols on HOV carpool violators. The five day emphasis patrols focus on freeways between north Pierce County and south Snohomish County. It includes all of King County. HOV / Carpool violations are one of the most frequent complaints troopers receive. Drivers face $136 if they are caught breaking…

Washington drivers face a $430.00 traffic ticket if they illegally pass a school bus that has it’s red lights flashing on and stop-arm out.  So when is it OK, or not OK, to pass a stopped school bus with its red flashing lights on and stop-arm out?  If you are on a two lane road,…

Washington State Patrol is now carrying out one of its periodic emphasis patrols on loose vehicle loads. These traffic violations have a minimum penalty of $228.00. But $ penalties can be higher, depending on the circumstances. An unsecured load has not been fastened in or attached to the vehicle with tarps, rope, straps, netting, or chains,…

Washington State Troopers are arresting more DUI drivers with kids under 16 in the car. DUI drivers with child passengers under 16 in the car could face an additional charge of Reckless Endangerment for each child. Plus face an additional Department of Licensing 6 month Ignition Interlock Device (IID  – “blow & go”) requirement.  Child…

  Lynnwood Traffic Lawyer Paul HansonWashington drivers are still confused as to what they can – and cannot – do while driving. Even after a year of the toughest distracted driving laws in the country. Drivers can still receive a citation for texting or holding their phone for any reason while stopped in traffic. You…