One person is dead after a two-vehicle crash on Seattle's Aurora Avenue North. Both vehicles were traveling southbound on Aurora Avenue when one driver swerved into the other, causing the drivers vehicle to veer off of the road and into a building next to a popular café. The Seattle Police Department reports that the driver who crashed into the building died at the scene and the other driver was subsequently arrested for a possible DUI and vehicular homicide.

A DUI Arrest in King County, Washington

In the state of Washington, “A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state:

• 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.”

King County makes its own recommendations for proper penalties when the DUI occurs within its county borders. The number of prior DUI offenses and depending on your blood alcohol content level, your penalties in King County can vary. The following is a look at the potential penalties a DUI conviction may bring you.

No Prior Offenses

• BAC Level is BELOW a 0.15:
  • 24 hours mandatory jail time or 15 days mandatory electric home monitoring;
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device installed;
  • Mandatory fines of at least $865.50, but no more than $5,000; and
  • 90-day suspension of the driver's license.
• BAC Level is ABOVE a 0.15:
  • 48 hours mandatory jail time or 30 days mandatory electric home monitoring;
  • Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device installed;
  • Mandatory fines of at least $1,120.50, but no more than $5,000; and
  • One-year suspension of the driver's license.
• Refusal to Test: The refusal to test, if you have no prior offenses, may result in the same penalties as the BAC level being higher than a 0.15 EXCEPT that the driver's license may be suspended for a total of 2 years.

Keep in mind, if you have prior DUI offenses or if you are involved in an accident while under the influence, your penalties have the potential to rise exponentially.

DUI Defense in King County

Due to the fact that there are several variable involved in a DUI arrest, if you have been arrested for a DUI in King County you should seek legal counsel immediately. Experienced DUI lawyer Steve Karimi is a former King County prosecutor who now uses his insight into prosecution strategies to fight for the rights of the accused. He acutely understands what it takes to win DUI cases and has been named a top-rated criminal defense attorney in the Seattle area. Do not trust your future to just anyone. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.