.07 BAC – DUI or Not DUI?

Quite often you find yourself wondering what, if anything, you will end up charged with. Well last week a car full of suspects on their way to Seattle’s Hempfest found themselves on the end of a bunch of arrests, and yet, a VERY lucky break. You may not be as lucky.

From the Tribune:

Car full of suspects
Aug. 15 — An officer on patrol conducted a routine Department of Motor Vehicles check on a Volkswagon Bug near state Route 16 and Wollochet Drive. The registered owner of the car, who matched the description of the driver, was stopped for questioning. Two passengers also occupied the car. The officer discovered the trio was en route to the Seattle-based Hemp Festival. The driver was detained after the officer discovered his suspended driver’s status and that he had failed to have an ignition interlock device installed following two DUI convictions. The driver admitted to drinking during the day and reportedly registered a 0.073 on a blood-alcohol content test. Marijuana was found among the suspects, along with felony warrants for non-payment of child support. One of the passengers was released from the scene, and the driver was arrested for having a suspended license, possessing marijuana and negligent driving. The car was impounded.

Most people don’t realize that even with a .073 blood-alcohol content you can still be charged with a DUI. You do not have to be above the .08 limit to get a DUI in Washington state. What amazes me is that this driver, with two priors, and marijuana in his system was only arrested for Negligent Driving (a lesser form of DUI).

However – this isn’t where it ends for him. The prosecutor’s office still has the ability to charge anything they want to. They can charge DUI or Negligent Driving. My guess is DUI. The third offense mandatory penalties are astronomical.

If you have found yourself in a similar situation, do not rely on what the officer tells you. Call a DUI attorney immediately. Lynnwood area DUI attorney Jonathan Dichter travels to King, Snohomish, Pierce, Whatcom, and other counties. He offers free consultations, and will happily talk to you about your multiple DUI cases, or your low BAC case.

Don’t assume you’ll be fine. Get the professional assistance you need to handle your DUI the right way!

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