A Mount Vernon man was arrested earlier this week for his involvement in a hit-and-run and assault in connection with a traffic accident on Highway 99 that injured a Seattle woman. The 36-year old man with multiple DUI convictions was picked up in Bellevue after fleeing the scene on foot and admitted to officers that he had been drinking before the accident. The man has been charged with “felony hit-and-run, vehicular assault, an ignition lock violation, and a driving with a suspended license violation.”

Driving Under the Influence in Washington

It is safe to say that the majority of drivers are aware that it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, not everyone abides by this rule and this often results in multiple DUI convictions, the harm of yourself and others, or both. While it is illegal to drive while intoxicated, Washington law sets specific parameters for illegal levels blood alcohol content and the operation of a motor vehicle. In the state of Washington, a person is guilty of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol if they drive a motor vehicle:

• “And the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood; or
• The person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's blood; or
• While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug; or
• While the person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, and any drug.”

Vehicular Assault in Washington

In Washington, if you are driving under the influence and cause an accident, especially an accident that injures others, you may be charged with a crime called “vehicular assault.”

Washington law says, “A person is guilty of vehicular assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle:

• In a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
• While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, and causes substantial bodily harm to another; or
• With disregard for the safety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another.”

As you can see from the language of the law, you do not necessarily have to be in a car accident with another vehicle. You can be in a one-car accident and injure one of your passengers and that will meet the threshold of vehicular assault. Vehicular assault may result in a class B felony.

Contact a Seattle DUI Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI or a vehicular assault charge, you will need strong legal representation as soon as possible. Attorney Steve Karimi is a top-rated criminal defense lawyer in the King County area. Mr. Karimi has the dedication and experience necessary to help you achieve the best possible results in your case. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today to begin protecting your rights.