Been Arrested for DUI in Seattle?
There are a number of charges that a person who has been accused of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Seattle can expect to face in addition to the actual DUI crime. When police make arrests for suspicion of DUI, they will often look to charge the suspect with as many offenses as possible. If any other factors were involved in the accident or any other laws were broken, you could be arrested for multiple crimes. Often when drug or alcohol impairment is alleged by police, it is due to a law enforcement agent noticing an open container of alcohol or the presence of drugs in the vehicle. This is a common practice and most police officers are trained to be on the lookout for these items as a way of spotting DUI offenders. Even if you do not give your consent to a search, police can look into your vehicle and seize anything that they see in plain sight as evidence against you.
Having alcohol or illegal drugs in the vehicle can lead to a DUI charge as well as an additional charge of possession or open container. These charges can lead to serious penalties that can affect your license and even your job. Anyone accused of a DUI-related offense should contact an experienced attorney right away.
DUI and Open Container Violations
In Washington, it is against the law to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. It is also illegal to have alcohol in the vehicle under certain circumstances. Under RCW 46.61.519, a person can be charged with a traffic infraction for consuming alcohol or carrying an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle. It is also a traffic infraction under RCW 46.61.5195 to hide alcohol in another container. In fact, a driver can be cited for carrying alcohol in any part of the vehicle aside from the trunk. Drivers who are under the age of 21 are not allowed to carry any alcohol in their vehicles unless it is part of the scope of their job.
Though these offenses are only traffic infractions, they can still lead to steep fines and even license suspension in certain situations. In some cases the presence of alcohol may be the biggest evidence against you in a DUI case. During traffic stops, an officer may show any alcohol found in the vehicle to the camera which will later create a video of your arrest that will be played in court. A DUI and open container violation is not hopeless, however, a defense lawyer will work to build a defense and get you the results you want.
DUI and Drug Possession
Drug DUI cases are often harder to prove than alcohol-related cases. Drugs are more difficult to test for and results can be inconclusive. One piece of evidence that law enforcement agents can use as proof that a driver was under the influence of drugs is the presence of drugs in the vehicle. Police are trained to look inside cars when they make routine stops and observe for the sight or drugs or paraphernalia. If a driver has an illegal or prescription drug in their possession at the time of the DUI arrest, it can be used as evidence against them as well as cause for another criminal charge.
Under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act of Washington, most drugs are regulated. Possession of an illegal drug or a prescription drug without a valid prescription can lead to a felony charge. This will be in addition to the DUI charge. Anyone facing a drug possession and DUI charge should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. A DUI conviction can have long term consequences that affect your license and VUCSA (Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act) crimes are usually felonies. Only by hiring an experienced DUI legal team will you be able to build your best defense and fight your charges.
DUI and Possession Defense in Seattle
A DUI charge has the potential to be very serious and lead to penalties that have long term consequences. If you have been accused of DUI due to the presence of drugs or alcohol in your vehicle, call a defense attorney. The presence of these items does not mean that you are automatically guilty of DUI. Attorney Steve Karimi is an experienced DUI lawyer who can help you fight your allegations.
Attorney Karimi is a former prosecutor who knows what it takes to get his clients not guilty verdict. When you call our office and set up a free consultation, you will be able to speak with attorney Karimi in a comfortable setting where he can explain your charges and what we can do for you. Your mind will be put at ease knowing that you have a hard working and knowledgeable legal team on your side. Call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi now to find out more about your defense options.