Reasons Why You Should Never Drink and Drive in Washington

It’s New Year’s Eve, and the party is going strong. Yes, you drove yourself to the gathering and swore you wouldn’t have a drink. Still, the party is raging and what’s the harm in having a drink or two? If you live in the state of Washington, the laws against drunk driving are harsh, just as they are in many other states in the US. Though the temptation to take a drink may be strong, stop and consider the consequences before you indulge.

The Laws Against DUI in Washington

The laws against drunk driving are severe, and they carry serious penalties. A driver in Washington can be charged with drunk driving (DUI) if their blood alcohol level is found to over the legally acceptable limit, which is .08 for drivers age 21 and over. For commercial drivers, the legal level is .04 percent, and for drivers under the age of 21, it’s at .02 percent. However, drivers can be charged with a DUI even if their blood alcohol level is under the legal limit, in some cases. For this reason, alone, no one should get behind the wheel after consuming any alcohol.

The Consequences of a DUI Charge

Anyone who drives after consuming alcohol can be charged with the offense of DUI, and in Washington, a driver can face separate penalties all stemming from one DUI charge. If a driver is in an accident and there are passengers in the car, the charges will be even more grave.

Is it worth taking the risk of having your reputation and possibly your career ruined with a DUI charge? In Washington, a DUI charge for a first-time offense (or for a driver with no record of DUI in the past seven years) can lead to the suspension of a license for 90 days, and one to 364 days in jail. The fines can range from $940 to $5,000. Is it worth it to drink and drive? Clearly, it’s not. Be smart. Don’t drink and drive. Contact a Vancouver DUI attorney if you have been charged with a DUI today.