Menu Close Menu

Blog

Biking While Intoxicated

Posted by Steve Karimi | Apr 01, 2016 | 0 Comments

It is not a secret to anyone that driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a very serious crime. Let's imagine a hypothetical situation. You're at a bar with your friends and you've had a few drinks. To play it safe tonight, you didn't drive. Instead, you rode a bike out to the bar, thinking that you would have a quick and safe ride home, without having to run the risk of encountering cops trying to catch you for a DUI. You may be surprised to learn that even if you are on a bicycle, you may still see those ominous red and blue lights flash behind you on your way back home.

Biking While Intoxicated

Washington State Law actually has a statute that covers what should be done if an officer sees a person using a bike while intoxicated. This is covered in RCW 46.61.790, the statute reads:

"(1) A law enforcement officer may offer to transport a bicycle rider who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or any drug and who is walking or moving along or within the right-of-way of a public roadway, unless the bicycle rider is to be taken into protective custody under RCW 70.96A.120. The law enforcement officer offering to transport an intoxicated bicycle rider under this section shall:

(a) Transport the intoxicated bicycle rider to a safe place; or

(b) Release the intoxicated bicycle rider to a competent person.

(2) The law enforcement officer shall not provide the assistance offered if the bicycle rider refuses to accept it. No suit or action may be commenced or prosecuted against the law enforcement officer, law enforcement agency, the state of Washington, or any political subdivision of the state for any act resulting from the refusal of the bicycle rider to accept this assistance."

In essence, if an officer suspects that you are biking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are to offer transport to either a safe place, such as your residence, or to a person who is able to see fit that you return home safely. While this may seem like a free ride from a generous cop, remember that the cops also have the authority to take you in under RCW 70.96A.120 if they perceive you as "a person who appears to be incapacitated or gravely disabled by alcohol or other drugs and who is in a public place or who has threatened, attempted, or inflicted physical harm on himself, herself, or another" when they approach you to try to provide assistance. While being taken into protective custody does not necessarily constitute criminal charges, many times these events can escalate into unintended criminal charges that cops love to hand out, such as resisting arrest or obstructing an officer.

Be wary of thinking a bike ride home from the bar cannot land you in trouble. If you or a loved one is currently facing criminal charges, contact criminal defense attorney Steve Karimi today.

About the Author

Steve Karimi

Steve Karimi attended Pepperdine University School of Law. After graduation he worked as a prosecutor in Seattle where he gained valuable insight to the criminal justice system. Attorney Karimi uses his experiences as a prosecutor everyday only now he fights for the justice of those accused.

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Contact Us Now!

Contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi for a free consultation by calling us at 206-660-6200 or by completing the form in the sidebar. You will be put in touch with an top rated Seattle DUI attorney who will listen to you.

Seattle DUI Lawyer

If you have been charged with DUI in Seattle or the surrounding area, call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi. He has the skills and the experience to get you the best possible results. Do not trust your future to just anyone, get an experienced professional to defend you.