A proposed law is being considered in Washington State that would increase distracted driving ticket penalties. Currently the fine for cell phone use while driving is $124, and it is not reported to your insurance company. The “Text Messaging Law” (RCW 46.61.668) prohibits sending, reading, or writing a text message while driving. The “Cell Phone Law” (RCW 46.61.667) prohibits hand-held wireless…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

House Bill 2ESHB 1153, effective June 9, 2016 created a Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP) which certifies that a person convicted of a felony has been rehabilitated. It will open the door to obtaining Washington professional licensees required for jobs in teaching, financial services, and health care which are currently closed to those with…

Click here to go to my facebook page, and check out King 5’s Q&A with WSP Trooper Heather Axtman regarding traffic law. Trooper Axtman answers everything from school zone laws, to carpool violations to slow drivers in the fast lane (that is a $136 ticket FYI). Check out the video, then call Lynnwood / Shoreline Traffic Lawyer…

House Bill 2574 has been recently introduced in the 2016 Legislative session which would greatly restrict the current texting while driving offense. The proposed bill would bar any use of a mobile phone for data receipt or entry, even while stopped at stop signs or intersections. Only drivers  who pull completely off the roadway and…

In 2013 Washington State enacted a wrongful conviction statute. RCW 4.100 streamlines the procedures for those wrongfully convicted to obtain compensation. The statute offers such persons $50,000 per year of incarceration, plus additional benefits, such as a tuition waiver at state colleges for themselves and their minor children. Call Lynnwood / Shoreline criminal defense lawyer…

As of September 26th it is illegal to have an open container of Marijuana in your vehicle. Just as an open container of alcohol is. Marijuana must be in its original sealed package and stored in the trunk of your car or behind the backseat. This law also extends to pot-infused edibles, like cookies and candies. Driving…