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A Mercer Island police blotter recently described an arrest that surprises many drivers. Officers found a person parked in their vehicle after hours, apparently drinking, and made a DUI arrest. No driving was reported, which points to a part of Washington law that people often misunderstand. An Arrest at the Boat Launch Access Road The […]

A DUI conviction can follow you for years. It shows up on background checks, affects job applications, and limits housing options. Many people don’t realize that Washington state allows certain DUI convictions to be removed from their record through a legal process called vacating. This isn’t automatic, and it doesn’t work for everyone. Understanding when […]

A DUI arrest doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting a criminal conviction. That’s something a lot of people don’t realize right away. Washington has diversion programs designed to give eligible defendants a second chance. You complete certain requirements, and if you do everything right, the prosecutor dismisses the charge. Sounds straightforward. But here’s what you actually […]

When facing DUI charges in Washington, prosecutors sometimes offer a plea deal to reduce the charge to reckless driving. This type of plea, often called a “wet reckless,” can seem like an attractive option at first glance. The conviction appears less severe on paper, and you might avoid some immediate penalties, but understanding what you’re […]

Marijuana DUI cases work differently from alcohol arrests. You can’t just blow into a device and get a reading. No roadside test immediately tells an officer whether you’re impaired by cannabis right now. Washington law sets a limit of 5.0 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood, but getting to that number requires several steps, […]

Most people associate DUI charges with alcohol, but prescription medications cause thousands of drug-impaired driving arrests every year. Washington law doesn’t distinguish between illegal drugs and legally prescribed medications when it comes to impaired driving. If a medication affects your ability to drive safely, you can face the same penalties as someone driving drunk. The […]

A DUI arrest in Washington doesn’t always mean you lose your ability to drive completely. The state offers restricted driving privileges, commonly called ignition interlock licenses, that allow you to continue driving under specific conditions. Understanding how these licenses work can make a significant difference in maintaining your employment and daily responsibilities while your case […]

An ignition interlock device (IID) can feel like a constant reminder of past mistakes, but it’s also your pathway back to legal driving privileges. If you’ve been ordered to install one after a DUI conviction in Washington, understanding what counts as a violation matters just as much as knowing how to use the device properly. […]

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. In Washington, these devices are mandatory for most DUI convictions, and understanding the requirements can help you prepare for what’s ahead. Who Must Install An Ignition Interlock Device? Washington state […]

The numbers tell a harsh story. Most people who represent themselves at DMV hearings lose their licenses. This happens even when they think they have a strong case. The problem is not always the facts. The problem is understanding what the Department of Licensing actually needs to see. The Biggest Mistake: Treating It Like A […]