One man is dead and four more people are injured from a DUI-related multiple car accident that occurred earlier this week in Spokane County. A suspected drunk driver in a Dodge Caravan struck a Subaru Crosstrek which caused it to begin spinning into oncoming traffic. The Subaru was then struck by a Ford F350 pickup truck. The driver of the Subaru was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver and all three passengers of the F350 were taken to the hospital with injuries. When questioned at the scene, the driver of the Dodge could not recall the details of the accident. Officers smelled alcohol on his breath and discovered he had a warrant out for his arrest for DUI hit-and-run. The Dodge driver was arrested for suspected DUI, making this his third DUI charge. His criminal record also includes 2 felonies, 15 misdemeanors, and 11 failures to appear.

Multiple DUI Offenses in Washington State

In the state of Washington, driving under the influence is taken very seriously. Even more so, if you have multiple DUI charges the penalties rise exponentially. The following illuminates the categories of penalties that you may face if have been arrested for a second or third DUI.

One Prior DUI and BAC is Less Than .15%

If you have only one prior DUI and your breathalyzer or blood test indicates a low Blood Alcohol Content (less than .15%) then you may face the following penalties:

• Anywhere from 30 days up to one year in jail;
• Up to $5,000 in fines;
• Any combination of the above; PLUS
• Two-year driver's license suspension.

Two or Three Prior DUIs and BAC is Less Than .15%

• You may face a minimum of 90 days and up to one year in jail;
• A minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $5,000 in fines;
• Any combination of the above; PLUS
• An automatic three-year revocation of your driver's license.

 If your BAC is higher than .15% or you have more than three prior DUIs, you can expect all of your penalties, especially your driver's license revocation, to increase. In addition, multiple DUI convictions can lead to further penalties such as alcohol treatment programs, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, and community service. In the unfortunate scenario above, the driver's penalties will likely also include charges for vehicular assault and vehicular homicide.

Contact a Seattle DUI Defense Lawyer

Washington law is expressly written to impose steep penalties on offenders with prior DUI conviction, depending on the number and severity of the conviction. For that reason, if you or a loved one have been arrested for any DUI charge, especially if you have multiple DUIs, you need to seek legal defense immediately. Lawyer Steve Karimi is a top-rated criminal defense lawyer in the King County area. He was voted a rising star by Washington Law & Politics magazine and is a former King County prosecutor who now fights for the rights of those accused. Washington takes driving under the influence charges very seriously and so should you. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.