When Washington state began its “stay home, stay safe” mandate in March 2020 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the state Liquor and Cannabis Board (WLCB) temporarily eased some restrictions on licensed bars and restaurants to allow them to apply for a permit that lets them sell alcohol “to go” as long as the order also included food. The WLCB also announced they would allow curbside delivery of liquor, beer, wine, and cannabis products. The WLCB communications director, Brian Smith, said:

Our goal is to do whatever we can to help businesses during this time. We can't change what's in the law, but we can do other things.

Smith also noted that the WLCB had also sped up the process to approve applications for these to-go waivers.

In Washington State, Stay Home If You're Going to Drink

Across the United States, there has been an increase in alcohol sales as lockdowns and the pandemic drag on. It's not clear whether people began hoarding alcohol in anticipation of state shutdowns or if stress over the virus combined with being stuck at home has led to the increase.

Here in Washington, law enforcement officials have said that while overall traffic accidents are down due to few people being out on the roads, they are still seeing a number of DUIs. During the first weekend of May near Snohomish, a Washington State Patrol officer clocked a Corvette driving 192 mph at 7:45 a.m. The officer pursued and eventually apprehended the driver, who was not only charged with reckless driving but DUI as well.

At Karimi Law Office, we understand that these are unprecedented times and that we are all under an enormous amount of stress. Concerns over the coronavirus, its effect on imploding the economy, and the stress of sheltering in place for so long have rippled aftershocks. If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, there are a few things you should know.

• First, throughout Washington, in an attempt to reduce jail and prison populations, most people charged with misdemeanor crimes (like misdemeanor DUI) will be booked and released as soon as they are deemed "safe" or not a danger to the general public.
• Second, if you have been charged with a DUI, it is imperative that you contact our office as soon as possible so we can begin building your defense right away. Finally, doing nothing is the worst thing you can do—don't ignore a DUI charge. Being convicted of a DUI means serious penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges.

Seasoned Seattle DUI Attorney

Steve Karimi is has the grit and determination to help you fight any DUI charges you may be facing. Mr. Karimi is a former-prosecutor-turned-defense attorney who has the knowledge and experience you need to stop a DUI conviction from upending your life. To contact a Karimi Law Office team member, call 206-621-8777 or fill out an online contact form today. We are open for business, and we are working hard on behalf of all our current and future clients.