Washington State DUI

The State of Washington enforces a very strict and harsh DUI law. Driving Under the Influence is a serious gross misdemeanor crime and a conviction requires mandatory DUI penalties. Even first time offenders with no criminal history will spend time in jail, lose their drivers license, pay expensive fines and more.

What is a Washington DUI?
An individual can be prosecuted for a Washington DUI if they provide an evidentiary breath or blood alcohol sample equal to or greater than 0.08 for adults, and 0.02 for minors. The prosecution can also prove guilt by establishing that your ability to drive was affected by an appreciable degree. The affected by prong is proved through subjective evidence such as your performance on the field sobriety tests or your interaction with the arresting police officer.

For example, the officer might observe the following during a DUI investigation to prove the affected by theory:

bloodshot and watery eyes

slurred speech

suspect nearly fell when exiting their vehicle

failed the Walk and Turn field sobriety test

admission to consuming alcohol or drugs