New DUI Laws

Posted Monday, August 19, 2013 by Andrew Charles Huff

New DUI laws

On July 18, 2013 Governor Jay Inslee signed into law ESSB 5912, a somewhat complex piece of legislation that makes vast changes to the laws governing Driving Under the Influence in our state. These extensive changes effect Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements, deferred and suspended sentences and adds marijuana language.

One of the most significant changes involves mandatory IID installation for a person with a prior DUI/Physical Control conviction. A person arrested for a DUI with a prior conviction will now be required to install an IID within five days after they are released from custody and must file proof. Some court administrators have publicly considered the impact on their courts from some of these new monitoring requirements,much as the mandatory ignition interlock requirements. Many courts could also see added costs, which many times comes along with increased monitoring.

ESSB 5912 also closes the door on a sentencing judges’ discretion to impose what is called a “deferred sentence” for someone pleading guilty to Driving Under the Influence. A “deferred sentence” allows a someone with a conviction to petition the court for a dismissal order to the charge if all sentencing conditions are met.