As a nation, Americans take a lot of road trips every year in their cars. These trips could consist of anything from going to the grocery store to a multi-state vacation. With so many drivers out there, it is imperative that every driver pays attention to the road and obeys all traffic laws. While most people drive safely, there are a few individuals who make poor decisions when it comes to driving by operating their vehicle impaired. As the years have gone by, DUI laws have slowly gotten stricter in the state of Washington as well as the rest of the nation.
After several recent fatal collisions involving drunk drivers, the state of Washington has made a bold attempt to enact stricter DUI laws. The new law signed by the governor a few weeks ago targets second time DUI offenders. If suspected of DUI for a second time, offenders will face a mandatory arrest and will have to install an interlock ignition device within five days of being charged. While several groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers support this new law, some may feel that it is unfair and a breach of their constitutional rights because it in effect assumes a person is guilty before the state has proven its case against them.
Oregon has a similar state law with the important difference that offenders are not required to install an ignition interlock device until after a conviction. While this law is so new that it likely has yet to be challenged, it seems that some in the state of Washington may think that, for their state, public safety is more important than a person's basic right to a presumption of innocence. As Portlanders may frequently travel to Washington, they need to be aware of these new laws.
Aside from the ignition interlock device, DUI offenders face a host of consequences including possible jail time, large fines and possible damage to one's reputation. If charged with a DUI in either Oregon or Washington, individuals will have a chance to defend themselves in court. For those in need of help, legal representation is available.
Source: StatesmanJournal.com, "Stronger drunk driving laws will be made," July 23, 2013
