Drivers in Washington will need to be more vigilant in making good choices when choosing to stop for a drink. Additional law enforcement and judicial measures are being employed in Washington communities to fight impaired drivers, especially repeat offenders. DUI Court, a special municipal court designed to supply treatment and other monitoring to repeat DUI offenders, has been established in more than a half dozen Washington communities. And now, in Gig Harbor and Kitsap Counties, police will join with county deputies to patrol with an emphasis on impaired drivers.

Police will focus its emphasis in a specific area and time—Saturdays between Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Hood Canal Bridge and across the Key Peninsula. These initiatives are meant to raise awareness, warn drivers, and curb intoxicated drivers. Those motorists who are traveling in these areas on Saturdays and are anticipating consuming alcohol or marijuana should be mindful of the special forces and arrange for a designated driver or plan for Uber or Lyft as a way to get home. As Washington communities struggle to reduce DUI incidences, more and more task forces continue to spring up in counties statewide with similar initiatives.

In Pierce County, enforcement officers of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board also partnered with officers of the Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force in an initiative to further reduce impaired driver incidence. Together, the officers and volunteers remind patrons, servers and bartenders to the importance of responsible alcohol use. The awareness effort also provides phone numbers for taxis to bar patrons. The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration and enforcement of liquor, tobacco and marijuana laws.

Tips to Stay Safe When Planning a Night Out

Naturally, the best way to avoid any problems is to refrain from drinking when driving, period. There are a few things you can do to help assure you stay safe when you are out:

1. Budget a portion of your night's expenses for transportation, such as public transportation, Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
2. Drink a glass of water after each alcoholic drink you order so that you drink less.
3. Eat before you have an alcoholic beverage.
4. Plan to stop drinking an hour or more before you plan to leave for the night.

If you are charged with DUI for the second or third time in Washington, you face harsher fines, longer jail time, and tougher conditions. If you are released at the time of arraignment, your security conditions will be more stringent, including possible court monitoring or ankle bracelet monitoring. You will need a well-thought-out criminal defense and an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney if you intend to fight the charge to stay out of jail.

Steve Karimi, a former prosecutor, has experience working with the courts and will work hard to help reduce your charges whenever possible and plan your criminal defense. Call Karimi Law Office today to learn your rights. Karimi Law Office can help.