Marijuana and your Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

By Rob | December 22, 2013 |

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5912 was signed into law on July 18, 2013 and became effective on September 28, 2013.   Another new tougher DUI sentencing factor: You will now lose your Commercial Drivers License (CDL) if you are found to be driving a commercial motor vehicle and you have ANY measurable amount of…

New DUI Laws: Wrong Way Driving

By Rob | December 19, 2013 |

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5912 was signed into law on July 18, 2013 and became effective on September 28, 2013.   Another new tougher DUI sentencing factor: Wrong way driving on a multi lane highway with a speed limit of 45 mph or greater mustnow be considered an aggravating factor at DUI sentencing (along with…

New Arrest and Pre Trial Conditions for Repeat Offenders

By Rob | December 17, 2013 |

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5912 was signed into law on July 18, 2013 and became effective on September 28, 2013. Two new Arrest and Pre-Trial changes will impact drivers who have committed a prior impaired driving offense within the past 10 years. – Drivers arrested for DUI or Physical Control must now be booked…

New tougher DUI Laws: DUI Driver with Child in car

By Rob | December 12, 2013 |

As of September 28, 2013 a new tougher DUI law in now effective.  If you have a child (under 16) passenger in your car when arrested for DUI, you will face the following additional penalty:  1st DUI Conviction – Additional one (1) day added to jail term 2nd DUI Conviction – Additional five (5) days added to…

New Tougher DUI Laws

By Rob | October 21, 2013 |

Senate Bill 5912, which became law on 9/28/2013, is toughening DUI laws in our state. A second DUI offense will now land drivers in jail until they see a judge (arraignment), and repeat offenders must have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in their cars within five days of their arrest.

New Parking / Towing Laws

By Rob | August 12, 2013 |

Senate Bill 5849 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – Drivers who park improperly in a parking space that is clearly marked and designated for charging an electric car will be fined $124.00. This bill is to prevent gasoline powered vehicles from taking up valuable charging station spaces. This bill also allows for fines against electric car drivers who only…

New Laws in Washington State

By Rob | July 31, 2013 |

Along with the many new alcohol laws that went into effect on Sunday, July 28th, 2013, several other laws went into effect as well. House Bill 1341 – Wrongful Convictions  – This new law will allow people who were wrongfully convicted of a crime in Washington State to file a claim for damages against the state. You would have to…

New Laws involving Alcohol

By Rob | July 29, 2013 |

Several new laws involving alcohol took effect in Washington State on Sunday, July 28th, 2013. House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 5607 allows theaters to sell alcohol to customers over 21 years old. Senate Bill 5396 allows businesses that sell hard liquor to give out small samples of different types of alcohol to patrons. Senate Bill 5674 allows…

New DUI Laws: For Repeat Offenders, Ankle Bracelets and In-Home Breath Alcohol Tests

By Rob | July 25, 2013 |

In September, 2013 new DUI laws will be going into effect for repeat DUI offenders in three counties and two cities. Such offenders can avoid jail time with 24/7 breath alcohol monitoring programs. Offenders could be given ankle bracelets that detect alcohol use from their sweat. Remote breath alcohol tests could be installed in their…

SCDC (South Division) Law Day 2013

By Rob | June 7, 2013 |

Two Guilty verdicts, seven Not Guilty verdicts and two hung juries were the outcomes of the mock trials held in SCDC South Division on June 7th as part of the court’s participation in the annual American Bar Association’s national LAW DAY celebrations. This year’s ABA national LAW DAY theme: “Realizing the Dream, Equality for All.”…