DUI patrols to hit King County the remainder of the Holiday season

The Seattle PI is reporting that there will be extra DUI emphasis patrols in King County the remainder of the Holiday season. Both the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies such as the Seattle Police Department will have extra Officers and Troopers on hand to conduct these emphasis DUI patrols. Here are some tips if you find yourself in the unenviable position of being investigated for a DUI in King County…

First don’t consume a drop of alcohol and drive. Yes I know it is not illegal to consume alcohol and drive. Yes I know there is a legal limit. But let me tell you that doesnt matter at all. Especially nowadays. Especially during this Holiday season. Regardless of what the Cop tells you. If they smell an odor of alcohol on your breath you will get arrested for a DUI in King County. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I once represented someone on a DUI who had a 0.03 blood alcohol level. Now if that person can get arrested for a DUI, anyone can.

Secondly if you do have alcohol and decide to drive do yourself and your DUI Lawyer a favor and decline the field sobriety tests. Regardless of how you perform on these tests you will get arrested. I find it laughable when a Cop will testify at trial that they have let people go after they performed the field sobriety tests, if so I would seriously like to meet that person because I honestly don’t believe they exist.

Lastly ask to speak to an Attorney immediately. As soon as the Officer asks you questions about alcohol, consumption, what you were doing ask say you don’t feel comfortable answering questions without first speaking with an attorney. When you get taken to the breath test room in the police station ask to speak with an attorney. Make this request known and it will only help you when you get charged with your DUI.

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About the author: Matthew Leyba is a DUI lawyer in King County, WA. His practice focuses on representing those charged with DUI and other related offenses.