The Law Firm of David N. Jolly: DUI Defense Attorneys: September 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Washington State DUI News: Judge arrested for DUI!

TUMWATER, Wash. Tumwater's municipal judge was arrested for investigation of drunken driving, a Washington State Patrol spokeswoman says.

Police have investigated reports that Judge John Lyman's SUV struck two vehicles in two separate incidents last Saturday, then left the scene both times, spokeswoman Brandy Kessler said Tuesday. No serious injuries were reported.

The first car was parked in a parking lot. Kessler said the victim in the second crash called 911 and followed the SUV to its destination - Lyman's house.

After a state trooper arrested Lyman - and about two hours after the wrecks - the judge registered blood alcohol levels of 0.135 and 0.140 in two separate breathalyzer tests at the nearby Olympia Police Department, Kessler said.

For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Monday, September 27, 2010

Skagit County DUI News: Anacortes 2010 Oyster Run DUI

On Friday September 24^th, in Skagit County a 36-year-old Anacortes man was arrested for DUI after an officer followed the truck eastbound on 12th St. and observed it swerving from center to fog line and driving over the center line for an entire block before stopping the truck. The driver allegedly appeared intoxicated, failed field sobriety tests, was arrested and taken to the Police Department for a blood alcohol test.

Skagit County DUI News: Washington State Patrol watching Anacortes Oyster Run for DUIs

(ANACORTES, SKAGIT COUNTY)— The 29^th Annual Oyster Run invaded Anacortes and the rest of Skagit County this past weekend. As one would predict the Washington State Patrol was watching for violations such as speed, aggressive driving, DUI, and lane travel violations, stated Trooper Keith Leary. Leary says the State Patrol’s aircraft, equipped with a Forward Looking Infra Red camera system, will also be watching for traffic violations from the air during the Oyster Run this weekend. Leary says historically this is a very well attended event that has brought as many as 30,000 motorcycles to the Anacortes area and the rest of Skagit County.

Skagit County DUI News: Anacortes Oyster Run Shuks few DUIs

The 29th annual Oyster Run drew thousands of motorcycling enthusiasts Sunday despite the intermittent rain showers. The parked machines stretched for blocks along Commercial Avenue in the Old Town area of Anacortes as “biker friendly” businesses enjoyed the infusion of visitors’ spending. Events included musical performances as well as the Seattle Cossacks, a stunt-riding group that boasts they still ride the vintage Harleys. There were some accidents involving motorcycles, but the State Patrol said Sunday that none involved life-threatening injuries. Three separate motorcycle accidents occurred in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 between College Way in Mount Vernon and Highway 20 in Burlington.

For more on the story click here: http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/oyster_run_2010/

Washington State DUIs: Time between the arrest and your first court appearance

If you have been arrested for DUI but not yet charged (ie. receiving a summons to appear in court), you are in the proverbial no-man’s land of court appearances. The quandary is, when will you be charged and can you leave the State in the mean time? Further, if you do leave the State what happens if you later find that you have to be in court?

Well, the issue regarding when you will be summonsed into court depends on the jurisdiction. Here is a quick synopsis of how long between the arrest and your first court appearance in the Western Washington Court system:

King County:

King County District Courts: 2- 4 months

Seattle Municipal Court: within one week

City of Kirkland Municipal Court: 6 weeks

City of Bellevue Municipal Court: 4-6 weeks

City of Shoreline Municipal Court: 4-6 weeks

Lake Forest Park Municipal Court: 30 days

Snohomish County:

Snohomish County District Court: 4-6 weeks

City of Lynnwood Municipal Court: next court day

City of Everett Municipal Court: within one week

City of Marysville Municipal Court: within one week

City of Arlington Municipal Court: within one week

City of Monroe Municipal Court: within one week

Skagit County:

Skagit County District Court: next court day (the preliminary hearing followed by the arraignment 2 weeks later)

City of Burlington Municipal Court: next court day

City of Anacortes Municipal Court: next court day (every 2^nd Thursday at 1pm)

Island County:

Island County District Court: next court day (the preliminary hearing followed by the arraignment 2 weeks later)

City of Oak Harbor Municipal Court: next court day (the preliminary hearing followed by the arraignment 2 weeks later)

If you have been arrested but have not yet received a court date and need/want to travel, contact an attorney! Preferably you should have an attorney on retainer so that the attorney can appear on your behalf if you are out of town to explain the situation to the judge and hopefully have your court apperance continued – otherwise the Judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Washington State DUI News: 17-Year-Old DUI Driver Killed In Thurston County Crash

A 17-year-old was killed in Thurston County in what police said was a DUI crash.

Michael Conine was killed at about 2 a.m. Sunday when a car slammed into a tree. Police said Conine was one of four 17-year-old boys in the car which crashed in the Capitol Forest near Olympia. The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, police said. Thurston County authorities said all the boys in the 1989 Ford Bronco were wearing seat belts.

King County DUI News: Issaquah crash caused by DUI driver

A crash on eastbound I-90 near Issaquah this morning left several people trapped in an overturned minivan, and police now believe the man responsible for the crash was driving drunk. The incident occurred this morning at approximately 5:50 a.m. on I-90 just west of West Lake Sammamish Parkway. According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Christina Martin, a Metro Rideshare vehicle carrying seven people from Redmond to Snoqualmie was rear-ended by a speeding car while driving in the carpool lane, causing the van to overturn. "He hit it in such a way that it actually began tearing the minivan in half -- actually driving into the inside of it," said Trooper Cliff Pratt. One passenger was thrown from the vehicle and four others were pinned inside for nearly an hour. "You looked inside this vehicle, there were four people pinned in there and you couldn't believe any of them could be alive," Pratt said..

Click here for more: http://issaquah.komonews.com/content/i-90-crash-leaves-8-injured-snarls-traffic

Snohomish County DUI News: Alcohol Evaluations

If you have been charged with DUI and are in the court system (or had your license revoked) it will be necessary for you to complete and alcohol evaluation. One question most of my clients have is “when should I complete the alcohol evaluation?” The answer certainly depends on your case, but the general advise is that you should complete the evaluation as soon as possible after talking it through with your attorney. The advantages of completing the alcohol/drug evaluation quickly is as follows: 1) If you receive a poor (inaccurate) assessment then you have time to get a second opinion; 2) if the agency recommends treatment (or early intervention) you will have time to complete the recommended course prior to sentencing; 3) the fact that you have been proactive might be persuasive to a prosecuting attorney when negotiating for a more favorable outcome; and 4)if you complete the evaluation and treatment prior to an agreement being reached and therefore sentencing by a Judge, you will most likely be placed on inactive probation (ie. records check) and therefore save money (less probation costs) and the inconvenience of meeting with the probation department monthly.

Finally, only go to a recommended alcohol/drug treatment center as some are definitely better than others.

Skagit County DUI News: Alcohol Evaluations

Finally, only go to a recommended alcohol/drug treatment center as some are definitely better than others.

Island County DUI News: Alcohol Evaluations

Finally, only go to a recommended alcohol/drug treatment center as some are definitely better than others.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Skagit County DUI News: Citizen report results in DUI Arrest

On September 12, in Anacortes, Skagit County, a 50-year-old Eatonville man was arrested after a citizen reported seeing him driving a pickup erratically in the downtown area around 9:36 p.m. An officer saw the truck southbound on Commercial Avenue at 18th Street and followed it for several blocks. The officer reported the driver crossed the center line three times. The truck pulled into a parking lot off 26th Street. The driver showed signs of intoxication and was arrested on a charge of DUI.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Skagit County DUI News: Driver out of bounds on golf course in Anacortes

On September 11, in Skagit County a 61-year-old Anacortes man was arrested on a charge of DUI after the 1991 Ford F-250 truck he was driving struck a power pole on Stevenson Road at Similk Beach Golf Course around 7:13 p.m. Witnesses said the vehicle was turning southbound on Stevenson Road from Highway 20 when it turned too hard and went in the ditch. It traveled through the ditch back up onto the driveway of the golf course and then collided with a power pole. The driver was not injured, but he reportedly showed obvious signs of intoxication when police and firefighters arrived.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Skagit County DUI News: La Conner man crashed motorcycle then charged with DUI

On September 10th, in Anacortes, Skagit County, a 48-year-old La Conner man was arrested on a charge of DUI after he crashed his motorcycle on Highway 20 and Thompson Road around noon. The man pushed his damaged motorcycle into a parking lot and was walking away when contacted by officers. He showed signs of intoxication. Interesting case actually - question is, did the officers have a right to contact the driver? Time will tell.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Snohomish County DUI victims to be honored at county’s memorial wall

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and members of the Snohomish County DUI and Target Zero Task Force will unveil 13 tiles for DUI victims being commemorated on the DUI Victims Memorial Wall. The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at McCollum Park, 600 128th St., Everett. The Snohomish County DUI Victims Memorial Wall is the first in Washington state. The initial unveiling of 45 tiles took place July 19, 2001. With this year's additions, the front of the wall will include 125 Snohomish County DUI victims. "Families would rather have their loved ones alive and well than a marker on a memorial wall," Reardon said. "However, until these senseless and avoidable tragedies stop, we must continue drawing awareness to them."
The names on this year's tiles are:
Bradley Daniel Agerup
Melissa Ann Agerup
Douglas C. Allen
Sheena M. Blair
Jeanette M. Cline Manske
Janelle Louise Cooper
Kurt Emery Gessner
Joshua Michael Haggerton
Marco Lopez-Silva
Elisa Kay Older
Martin A. Ramirez
Hilda Margarita Woods
Thomas Jeffrey Woods
Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial ceremony. For more information, contact Tracy McMillan, Snohomish County DUI & Target Zero Task Force coordinator, at Tracy.McMillan@co.snohomish.wa.us or 425-388-7229.

For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

DUI Release Policy per the Skagit County District Court

It is the policy of the Skagit County District Court that all persons booked on charges of:

DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
Physical Control
Or who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of booking

Shall not be released until his / her blood alcohol level is below the legal limit of .08
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Skagit County and Snohomish County DUI News: Fiery crash results in DUI Charges

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. - State troopers had to shut down part of Interstate 5 after a car crash and fire on northbound I-5 near the Snohomish-Skagit county line. Troopers say a car somehow rear ended a truck carrying live crabs. It got stuck and was dragged and then caught fire. The driver of the car was taken to the hospital. No one else was hurt. The State Patrol said the driver of the car was charged with DUI.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

King County Prosecuting Attorney Waited Two Years to Challenge the BAC Suppression Issue. Why?

In 2008, after a scandal in the state patrol's toxicology lab, a panel of King County District Court judges banned breath test results from being used as evidence in DUI cases. "For two years we've had to try these cases without the best evidence," said King County prosecutor Dan Satterberg. That was a major blow, Satterberg said. "We didn't get all the cases we wanted to. Sometimes people's driving isn't that bad, if they're practiced drunks."

Wednesday, the court reversed its ruling, deciding the State Patrol lab has corrected its problems, and the breath tests are reliable, so they can be used in the courtroom.

What is missing from the Prosecuting Attorney's statements? A simple reminder that the reason for the BAC suppression was directly due to scandle, fraud, and lies. Our government facilitated an environment that proved the old sayin, "Good enough for government work." Further, it has taken more than two years for the Toxicology Lab and Prosecuting Attorney's office to right their wrongs and get the BAC issue corrected. Why? If it was so important, which it is, then why didn't Mr. Satterberg do more? Why didn't he dedicate more staff to getting the issue corrected so, according to Mr. Satterberg, he can keep "more drunk drivers in jail, and fewer on the roads."

When it's election time remember that Mr. Satterberg talks the talk, but it took him two years to walk the walk. Troubling...

King County Prosecuting Attorney says 10% of DUI cases reduced due to BAC problems - HE IS WRONG!

King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, earlier this year, told KIRO-FM the breath test ban resulted in plea bargains for 10 percent of DUI defendants. (see here: http://www.mynorthwest.com/category/local_news_articles/20100923/Prosecutor:-Ruling-means-more-DUI-guilty-pleas/)

Could this be true? Well, I'm not sure where Mr. Satterberg gets his numbers from but he is totally incorrect. In truth I don't know what the percentages of plea bargains were as a result of the suppression of the BAC results, but for certain they were in excess of 50%. In the two years since the ruling, Stephanie Hartung (a DUI attorney in my office) had a success rating of well over 90% - meaning 90% of her DUI cases were reduced from DUI to a lesser offense. In truth, plea bargains during this period were not entirely the result of the BAC results being suppressed. Sometimes these plea bargains or Jury Trial victories are the result of ill-prepared prosecuting attorneys in King County. Why this is never reported is beyond me, but a great many prosecuting attorneys in King County District Courts have not yet even graduated law school. This seems like poor practice if the Proseuctor's office is promoting a strong stance against DUI drivers, yet fight the cause with law students who have no experience. Another story for another day. But to summarize, Mr. Satterberg's suggestion that 10% of all DUIs were amended due to the BAC issues is completely wrong - but of course, Mr. Satterberg is never in court so how would he know!?

King County, Snohomish County, Skgait County DUI News: Are DUI Judges Incompetent?

The following is a portion of an article in The Stranger. Interesting read, but the truth is that Judges should be removed if they are incompetent or biased. Justice is blind and if Judges are biased, they are definately not acting judicially. Incompetence, which unfortunately is the case with several Judges in King County, Snohomish County, and Skagit County DUI cases, is unnacceptable. This is why certain Judges must be removed. A reporter or a concerned citizenKi does not know if a Judge is biased or incompetent - lawyers who practice in these courts do.
Now, the article:
Why would you pay attention to the eight judges on the Seattle Municipal Court? Unless you're one of the people who goes before them for a minor offense (disorderly conduct, theft, or another misdemeanor), they don't impact you; not now, and not when you vote in November. Yet, leading up to the election, one industry is paying attention to—fixated on, even—this court and county district courts that also fry small fish: DUI lawyers.
Citizens for Judicial Excellence (CJE)—a political action committee composed primarily of attorneys who defend people caught driving under the influence of alcohol—have raised nearly $200,000 to push judges off the bench. The motive, it says, is promoting a higher-caliber judiciary. But critics (many of whom would not speak on the record, citing professional conflicts) insist the group is trying to replace judges tough on DUIs with carefully selected challengers who will give their clients better treatment.
Click here for more of the story: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/bar-and-driver/Content?oid=4942262
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

King County DUI News: Breath Tests Now Admissible

SEATTLE - A panel of King County District Court judges has ruled breath tests can again be used to prosecute drunken driving cases.

Yesterday's ruling lifts a suspension imposed in 2008 when District Court judges found the state crime lab has engaged in "fraudulent and scientifically unacceptable" practices that compromised breath test readings.
Since the ruling the lab has undergone a major overhaul, and is under new leadership.
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said he is pleased about the ruling.
"I'm exceptionally proud of the work done by lab staff in response to the previous concerns," he said. "They've proven that judges and juries can count on the results they get from our lab."
The State Patrol says as part of fixing earlier problems, the lab sought international accreditation for its breath test program. At the time accreditation was granted, it was only the fourth lab in the world to have met that standard.
"The breath test is a valuable tool for juries to use when someone has put us all at risk by driving while impaired," Batiste said. "If you choose to drink and drive in Washington, we're coming after you with every tool we have."
Click here for more: http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Breath-tests-back-in-King-County-DUI-cases-103551084.html
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Snohomish County and Skagit County DUI News: DUI and the effects on a CDL

If you own a Commercial Driver’s License and have been arrested and/or charged with DUI you might be concerned for the welfare of that CDL. Your concern is warranted.

The Statute that governs the CDL, and disqualification, is RCW 46.25.090: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.25.090

A thorough read of the statute is necessary, however, here are a few key points:

DUI conviction: CDL disqualified for 1 year (1^st); lifetime (2^nd)

Refusal of BAC (due to DUI): CDL disqualified for 1 year (1^st); lifetime (2^nd)

Driving a Commercial Vehicle with Alcohol in System: CDL disqualified for 1 year (1^st); lifetime (2^nd)

Minor Driving After Consuming Alcohol: CDL disqualified for 1 year (1^st); lifetime (2^nd)

Hit and Run (attended or unattended): CDL disqualified for 1 year (1^st); lifetime (2^nd)

Reckless Driving with a prior Serious Traffic Violation: Not less than 60 days

Reckless Driving with 2 prior Serious Traffic Violations: Not less than 120 days

Clearly then, a “simple” DUI is not so simple when it comes to your CDL. Even an amendment from DUI to Reckless Driving may indeed disqualify your CDL for a period of time. You MUST consult with an attorney if you have a CDL and have been arrested for or charged with a DUI.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Island County DUI News: Can your DUI be Filed in Court Twice?

If you have had the misfortune of being charged with DUI, then the fortune of having the DUI dismissed, can the case be refiled? Answer: Depends (yep, typical lawyer answer).
First there are different types of dismissals.
If you win a trial (ie. Jury renders a verdict of "not-guilty) then, barring any action by the prosecutor, the case can not be refiled.
Similarly, if your attorney brings a motion to dismiss and the Judge rules in your favor (and the case is dismissed), then the case is dismissed with prejudice and the case cannot be refiled.
However, if the State (or City) dismisses your case "without prejudice" then the case can be refiled at a later date. Importantly though, if the case is refiled then it is critical to determine how much speedy trial is remaining because if the State or City runs out of time to take the case to trial (90 days in you are out of custody). Whatever time has been used in this 90 day period (assuming you are out of custody) previously is calculated into the speedy trial when the case is refiled. If you have the case refiled your attorney must object to future court settings when you are arraigned a second time.
Incidentally, sometimes cases are dismissed without prejudice by prosecuting attorneys if they have witness problems and want to preserve the case or if they are cosidering refiling the DUI as a felony.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Monday, September 20, 2010

Snohomish County DUI News: Survey: Teens think drunk driving more risky than texting

Despite studies to the contrary, the article below states that teens think driving under the influence is more risky than texting. Interesting.

More teens think drunk driving can lead to a fatal crash than texting while behind the wheel, according to a survey done by Harris Interactive for State Farm.

"Fewer teens view texting while driving as leading to fatal consequences as compared to drinking while driving," State Farm said in a news release. "Of 14- to 17-year-olds who intend to have or already have a driver’s license, the survey found that 36 percent strongly agree that if they regularly text and drive they could be killed one day. In contrast, the majority of teens (55 percent) strongly agree that drinking while driving could be fatal."

Among the 697 teens surveyed, 63 percent said they "strongly agree" they could get into an accident if they text and drive, vs. 78 percent who "strongly agree" an accident could happen if they drink and drive, State Farm said.

"The awareness gap becomes more pronounced among teens who admit to texting while driving versus teens who refrain from the practice. Among teens that have never texted while driving, 73 percent strongly agree they will get into an accident if they text and drive. Yet among teens that admit to texting while driving, only 52 percent strongly agree they will get into an accident as a result of the practice," the agency said.

"Aspiring" and current teen drivers also seem to think the time they need to react to "narrowly avoid an accident are better texting while driving versus drinking while driving. With texting while driving, 55 percent of these teens agree they will have some situations when they almost get into an accident but will recover just in time. This compares to 36 percent of these teens who agree they can recover just in time in situations where they are drinking and driving."

Distracted driving remains in the U.S. "an epidemic," federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Bloomberg News, but traffic deaths tied to sending or reading text messages, talking on the phone, or even eating while driving decreased 6 percent last year from the previous year.

In an e-mail to Bloomberg, LaHood said that traffic deaths tied to distracted driving decreased 6 percent last year from the previous year, but said the numbers still show that "distracted driving remains an epidemic in America, and they are just the tip of the iceberg."

Bloomberg reported that "Crashes linked to drivers being distracted behind the wheel caused 5,474 deaths last year, down from 5,838 a year earlier and accounting for 16 percent of all road fatalities in 2009, unchanged from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration."

Distracted driving isn't just a teen problem, of course, adults are also guilty of the dangerous habit as well. In Portland last week, a 40-year-old city bus driver was caught on video by a passenger, reading a Kindle while driving Interstate 5. The drive was "immediately pulled off of his route after TriMet received several complaints, according to TriMet spokeswoman Bekki Witt. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation."

Read the entire article: http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/09/20/5143788-survey-teens-think-drunk-driving-more-risky-than-texting

Snohomish County DUI News: Child dies after mother involved in DUI accident near Arlington

7 year old Isayah died Saturday afternoon, crushed under the pickup truck his mother was driving near Arlington in Snohomish County. His 5-year-old brother and 3-year-old sister were in the rear cab of the truck with him when it went off the road, hitting two poles, a decorative rock and a mailbox before rolling. Snohomish County Sheriff's investigators said it appears the mother was driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Simply a tragic and very sad story.

For more, click here: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Boy-7-dies-in-Snohomish-County-Rollover-103227559.html

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Snohomish County and Skagit County DUI News: Another Celebrity DUI Profile

Our guilty pleasure, another Celebrity DUI - this time the Doughnut King.

Doughnut King dies in De Tomaso

Name: Tim Horton

Claim to Fame: NHL player with the Toronto Maple Leafs (winning 4 Stanley Cups), New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. Founder of Canada's Tim Horton's Doughnut chain.

Date of DUI: 1974

Facts: While driving his white De Tomaso Pantera sports car, (a gift from Sabres' GM George "Punch" Imlach), Tim failed to negotiate a curve in the highway, lost control, hit a cement culvert, and his vehicle flipped and he was thrown from the vehicle (he was not wearing a seat belt). A police officer pursuing Horton's vehicle said that he had been traveling at over 100 mph.

Outcome: Reports were that Tim had consumed a large amount of vodka and was also taking pain killers for an injury. An autopsy report released in 2005 showed Horton had a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit. The blood test also showed signs of amobarbital.

Did You Know? There are more than 2,723 Tim Horton doughnut stores across Canada, and over 339 locations in the United States.

Source: archives.cbc.ca/sports

Snohomish County and Skagit County DUI News: First Edition of The DUI News

Please find attached the First Edition of The DUI News. For future editions pleae check out our website, www.washdui.com.

Anacortes, Skagit County Woman gets arrested for DUI and asks Officer if she will be "put to death."

A 57-year-old Anacortes woman was arrested on a charge of DUI after she reportedly ran her car off the road and over a hedge before becoming high centered on some bushes in the 2600 block of Q Avenue around 8:56 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5. After being arrested for DUI she was taken to the station for processing. The woman then asked the officer if she would be "put to death" if she failed the breath test. The officer assured her DUI is not a capital offense.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Snohomish County and Skagit County DUI News: 17 Million Drove Drunk in 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — An estimated 17 million people have driven while drunk at least once on U.S. streets and highways in the course of a year, according to a government study released Wednesday.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey conducted in late 2008 found that 20 percent of those 16 and older reported driving within two hours of drinking alcohol.

Based on the survey results, NHTSA estimates that 8 percent of all drivers, or 17.2 million people, have driven at least once over the course of a year, even though they thought they were drunk.

Additionally, 8 percent said they got a ride from a driver they thought was drunk. This was a particular problem for males between 21 and 24 years old. In this age group, 24 percent reported riding with a driver they thought had consumed too much alcohol.

On the positive side, the message about the dangers of drunken driving is widespread, with 81 percent of those surveyed seeing it as a serious public safety threat.

"We have got to do more, as a country, to close the gap between believing that drunk driving is a threat and actively doing something about it," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said.

To warn motorists about the dangers of drunken driving, the government is spending about $13 million for an advertising campaign to publicize increased enforcement through Labor Day weekend.

NHSTA periodically conducts the National Survey of Drinking and Driving Attitudes and Behaviors.

The DUI News-First Edition

As previously announced, we are proud to announce the first edition of a free monthly publication entitled "The DUI News." Please see attached the first edition.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Snohomish and Skagit County DUI Attorney Announces New Publication: The DUI News

We are excited to announce another device to help our clients, and all individuals who have been arrested for DUI. The first publication of The DUI News is now available. The publication is a free monthly publication that provides information on the DUI process that is helpful, information, and even light hearted at times. Check our blogs for more details and how to subscribe. The first publication is now available on our website, www.washdui.com, and is available in word and pdf format.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Snohomish County DUI News: Troopers arrest 281 drivers during DUI emphasis patrols, less than last year

This year, Snohomish County troopers and police officers made 281 drunken-driving arrests during the DUI emphasis patrols began Aug. 12 and wrapped up Sept. 6. , said Shelly Baldwin, a program manager with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. Thats down a bit from last years 339 arrests during Drive Hammered, Get Nailed. I hope its because theres fewer impaired drivers out there, she said.
For more on the story click here: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100914/NEWS01/709149895
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

King County DUI News: Man arrested for DUI after going wrong way on I-90

A Federal Way man was arrested for DUI after going the wrong way on I-90 for 11 miles. According to the Washington State Patrol, the first 911 call was made just before 2 a.m. about a car traveling west in the eastbound lanes west of North Bend. The car was eventually pulled over near Exit 20, just east of Issaquah. The driver, a 40-year-old Federal Way man, was arrested without incident. He was booked in the King County Jail on investigation of DUI.

For more on this story click here: http://issaquah.komonews.com/content/fw-man-arrested-dui-after-going-wrong-way-i-90
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

DUI Driver gets 2nd DUI in same evening after stealing Cop Car

GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — A northern Colorado man was quickly arrested twice for DUI: Once while driving his own car, the second time for stealing the police car as he waited to be taken in. Adam Segura was being held in Weld County Jail after a brief police chase Thursday.
For more on the story check here:
http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/102706729.html
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Whatcom County DUI News: Whatcom County Man Gets Three DUIs in One Evening

Most of us experienced DUI attorneys have represented clients who have received two
DUIs in one evening, in fact I have represented many of these people. However, I can categorically say that I have have never represented someone who has received three DUIs. However, here is someone who did receive three DUIs in one night.
BLAINE, Whatcom County, Washington. - Police say he drove three vehicles while drunk and crashed two of them - all in the same night. Police first responded to a crash site where they found an abandoned truck and trailer in the 3300 block of Sweet Road. The vehicle had hit a utility pole. As officers began their investigation they came across a second crash site just up the road. A red BMW was found with its bumper ripped off and the air bags deployed.
For more on this unbelievable story click here:
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Blaine-man-crashed-3-vehicles-in-one-night-102888534.html
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Friday, September 10, 2010

King County DUI News: Man arrested for DUI, vehicular assault after Seattle car crash

Seattle police said a man was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular assault after he ran a red light and caused a crash that sent two people to the hospital.

For more information on this story:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/09/10/1335514/man-arrested-for-dui-vehicular.html

Thursday, September 9, 2010

King County DUI News: Extra DUI patrols planned for Seahawks and Huskies football games

If you are planning on attending football games at Husky Stadium or Quest Field, be warned. As expected the Washington State Patrol is out to get (and protect!) you. That being stated, the State Patrol will have extra troopers on the streets looking for impaired drivers this weekend during Saturday's Huskies home opener and the Seahawks' first regular season game on Sunday. According to the Washington State Patrol troopers made 20 DUI arrests in King County last year following the Seahawk’s home opener. The State Patrol will set up its Mobile Impaired Driving Unit, a command center staffed with troopers and breathalyzers to speed up DUI investigations.

For more information on the story click here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2012846978_the_university_of_washington_h.html

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Skagit County DUI News: Driver Speeding has high BAC reading

On September 1st, in Anacortes, Skagit County, a 39-year-old Anacortes man was arrested on a charge of DUI after an officer stopped the car he was driving for speeding on Oakes Avenue around 1:34 a.m. The officer smelled alcohol on the driver, but the driver denied drinking. The man allegedly failed field sobriety tests and a portable breath test showed he was about twice the legal limit. He was taken to the police station for processing and then was cited and released.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Skagit County DUI News: DUI charged after hit and run driver found

On August 29th, in Anacortes, Skagit County, a 27-year-old Anacortes man was arrested on charges of DUI and hit and run after he struck a car in the 900 block of 21st Street and then left the scene around 12:24 a.m. Officers found the man and the vehicle on 37th Street. He is to appear in the local Skagit County Court on charges of DUI.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com

Snohomish County DUI Arraignments

If you have been charged with DUI in Snohomish County and are considering appearing without an attorney at your arraignment hearing (first appearance in court), here is what you should do.

1. Dress appropriately;

2. Get to court early;

3. Read and then sign the Advise of Rights/Penalties form;

4. Be polite and courteous to the Judge;

5. Do not talk about the facts of your case to anyone (most definitely the prosecutor and judge);

6. Plead Not Guilty;

7. Get an attorney retained as soon as you can!!

Finally, I do not advise that you appear at the arraignment by yourself, but if you do follow the tips above. It is always best to get an attorney hired prior to appearing in court.

Snohomish County DUI Cops get Boost - Mobile "Drunk Tank" in town over labor day weekend

EVERETT, SNOHOMISH COUNTY – Snohomish County (including Lynnwood, Everett, Monroe, Edmonds, Mukilteo) police got some extra help catching DUI drivers this past labor day weekend. The state Mobile Impaired Driving Unit was in town to assist. The unit is a van tricked out with Breathalyzer stations, holding cells and drug recognition experts. All the officers had to do was drop off the DUI suspects and the individuals in the van take over. The van was parked at Snohomish County Sheriff's Office in Everett and at the Lynnwood Police Department on Saturday. The van also is meant as a visual deterrent to potential drunken drivers.

For more on this story click here:

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Seattle Cop Convicted of DUI has Very Checkered Past

This past week has seen yet another police officer convicted of DUI. While it is my belief that every individual must be given the benefit of the doubt and that officers are indeed human, this particular officer, Seattle Police Officer Zsolt Dornay has a checkered past. His past indiscretions include a road rage incident while off duty in 1995 when he held a gun to the head of another motorist, shooting a lawyer in self-defense, and several other issues. No commentary needed.

For more on this story click here: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/426175_dornay04.html?source=mypi

Monday, September 6, 2010

King County DUI News: Seattle Police Officer Convicted of DUI

A Seattle police officer has been convicted of driving under the influence in Grays Harbor County. Prosecutors say Zsolt Dornay handed his police identification with his driver's license when he was stopped and later asked a State Patrol trooper, "Are you sure you want to do this?" Zsolt Dornay was arrested last year in Grays Harbor County and convicted Thursday.

For more on the story click here: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/426175_dornay04.html

Skagit County DUI News: 76 year old Anacortes Man Arrested for Felony DUI

On August 28^th in Skagit County a 76-year-old Anacortes man was arrested for investigation of felony DUI after he was involved in a one-car collision on Fidalgo Bay Road near the Highway 20 exit around 3:10 p.m. The man was taken to the hospital before being transported to jail. Officers believe he has five previous DUI convictions. If that is true and they were within the past ten years, then a felony DUI might be in this man's future.

Skagit County DUI News: Tail Light Out results in DUI Arrest for Anacortes Woman

On August 28^th in Skagit County a 26-year-old Anacortes woman was arrested on a charge of DUI after an officer noticed her vehicle had a tail light out and tried to stop the vehicle to warn her about it around 2:15 a.m. The officer followed her vehicle with emergency lights on for more than two blocks before she stopped in the 1100 block of O Avenue. The officer immediately noticed she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. She allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was arrested and transported to the police department for a breath test.

Skagit County DUI News: Anacortes Man Gets DUI and has young Child in Car

On August 21^st in Skagit County a 28-year-old Anacortes man was arrested on a charge of DUI after an officer saw his vehicle swerving in and out of traffic, almost striking the right shoulder of the road, as it drove down R Avenue around 10:50 a.m. After stopping the car, the officer saw the man's young daughter asleep in a booster seat. After allegedly failing field sobriety tests the man was transported to the police department for a breath test. The girl went home with relatives.

Skagit County DUI News: Anacortes woman goes straight instead of right, Jail instead of Home

On August 21, 2010, in Anacortes, Skagit County, a 25-year-old Anacortes woman was arrested on a charge of DUI after an officer saw the vehicle she was driving traveling straight southbound on O Avenue at 12th Street around 12:09 a.m. The intersection is marked and striped for a right turn only. According to the Anacortes police officer the woman allegedly failed several field sobriety tests and was arrested and taken to the police department for a breath test.

Skagit County DUI News: Anacortes Man Stopped for Erratic Driving then Arrested for DUI

On August 20, 2010, in Anacortes, Skagit County, a 52-year-old Anacortes man was arrested for DUI after a motorist called in and reported the man was driving erratically near 13th Street and Q Avenue around 7:43 p.m. An officer caught up with the vehicle and also saw it traveling slowly, impeding traffic and swerving over the centerline. The driver was allegedly unable to perform sobriety tests and was arrested and transported to the police department for a breath test.

DUI charges in fiery Skagit County / Snohomish County crash

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. - State troopers had to shut down part of Interstate 5 after a car crash and fire early Sunday. It happened just after 3:30 a.m. on northbound I-5 near the Snohomish-Skagit county line. Troopers say a car somehow rear ended a truck carrying live crabs. It got stuck and was dragged and then caught fire. The driver of the car was taken to the hospital. No one else was hurt.

For more on the story click here: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Fiery-crash-DUI-skagit-102257139.html

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