New 2015 DUI Laws (Continued) 24/7 Alcohol Monitoring by Courts – Courts may now order pretrial 24/7 alcohol monitoring on DUI defendants facing a second or subsequent DUI charge in a lifetime. Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) Violation Penalties – Defendants convicted of IID violations will now have their sentences now consecutively added to any DUI…

New 2015 DUI Laws Effective September 26, 2015, several new DUI laws go into effect. Among these are: Ignition Interlock Licenses (IILs) – The Department of Licensing is now permitted to issue temporary Ignition Interlock Licenses (IILs) to Washington residents authorized to drive with out of state licenses. This will mostly affect military personnel stationed…

More than 100 bars in Western Washington have installed new breathalyzer machines in recent weeks. The machines are part of a new project by a retired construction manager. Bob Brazel says his machines come pre-calibrated and are supposed to be 95% accurate, but he wants to make it clear that law enforcement is the only…

Attorney Paul Hanson is pleased to announce his recent selection as one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense lawyers in the State of Washington for 2015 by the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA). Only 1.5% of criminal defense lawyers are so honored each year. Congratulations Paul!  

You really do have the right to remain silent if you are stopped by police in Lynnwood or even any other city in Washington State.. As cliché as this may sound, it really is 100% true. An arresting officer can ask you as many questions as they want but never feel compelled to answer anything.…

DUI and Physical Control laws are strictly enforced in Snohomish and King Counties. The current legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 for adults and .02 for those under 21. The legal limit for marijuana DUIs is 5 nanograms for blood THC content. However, you can still be charged with DUI even if…

Please be aware that extra DUI patrols will be out in King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties looking for impaired drivers this Memorial Day Weekend. This is part of “Target Zero”, Washington State’s Stratigec Highway Safety Plan, who’s goal is to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Additional…

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! Please be aware that extra DUI patrols will be out in King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties looking for impaired drivers. This is part of “Target Zero”, Washington State’s Stratigec Highway Safety Plan, who’s goal is to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com.…

Starting January 1, 2014 the new 24/7 DUI Monitoring Program begins in three counties (Chelan, Spokane and Thurston) and two cities (Kent and Centralia). Drivers charged with their 2nd DUI in any of those areas may be placed in this new program which requires daily monitoring for substance abuse. They will either report to jail twice a day…

Deferred sentences (where the DUI charge is completely dismissed upon successful completion of the court probation period) are no longer authorized for a DUI sentence. Only suspended sentences (where DUI conviction remains on the criminal record after probation successfully completed) are now allowed for a DUI sentence. However deferred sentences are still authorized for reduced DUI charges, i.e.…