Even a simple Theft 3° shoplifting conviction can have serious immigration consequences for a non US citizen. Same for a DUI conviction. Strangely, under current immigration law, these misdemeanor offenses can even have more harmful immigration consequences than more serious felony offenses, such as burglary, possession of stolen property or even robbery! So non citizens…
On November 17, 2015, the Snohomish County District Court judges ruled that the Prosecution and the Washington State Patrol must provide full information to DUI defense attorneys concerning the new police Draeger breath test instruments now being used in DUI cases. The new Draeger instruments were introduced in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties in…
If you are not a US Citizen, getting a DUI conviction is much more serious. Even a very old DUI conviction can really hurt you. Immigration authorities can lock you up in detention centers, then deport you. The best defense is to show the immigration authorities that you’ve obtained alcohol / drug treatment and fully…
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…
New 2015 DUI Law (Continued) DUI Drivers Driving Without Valid Licenses, Auto Insurance or Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) – A mandatory 30 day jail sanction must be imposed by the court for any DUI driver probation who drives without a valid license, auto insurance, or a functioning Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle. Open…
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…
Washington State law has recently increased penalties for a BUI (Boating Under the Influence). A BUI is now a Gross Misdemeanor, and if you are convicted you can face up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. Boat operators are held to the same standards as a motorist and can be…
Speeding remains the most ticketed highway violation around the Puget Sound. The violations are concentrated to very specific areas you could call ticket “hot spots”. Troopers admittedly target areas known for trouble to reduce fatal accidents, but why specific miles within those target areas see a sudden spike in ticket activity is less scientific: An…