In Washington state, the crime of driving under the influence (DUI) is treated as a felony. You can be arrested for DUI if you are stopped by an officer, who has probable cause to believe you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Washington State law prohibits the operation or control of any motor vehicle or watercraft by a person who is under the influence of any substance, alcohol or drug, legal or illegal, that affects mental or physical capacity in such a way that the person cannot operate or control. that vehicle in the same manner as a cautious person who is not impaired or operating at full capacity would.

RCW 46.61.502 states that a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving constitutes drunk driving and a violation. This statute refers to adult drivers 21 years of age or older and also addresses the drug problem.

RCW46.61.504 also prohibits individuals, age 21 and over, with blood levels of 0.08 or higher, from being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two.

Commercial drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 or higher per RCW 46.25.120.

RCW 46.61.503 finds drivers under the age of 21 in violation if blood alcohol levels reach or exceed 0.02 within two hours of having physical control of, or operating, a motor vehicle.

Driving while intoxicated of any kind is illegal. Again, the nature of the impairment, whether alcohol or drug, legal or illegal, is irrelevant. The determining factor is disability and whether or not the operator is mentally and physically capable of controlling the vehicle in a manner comparable to that of a prudent person in full possession of his powers.

Washington State’s Implied Consent Law allows law enforcement to impose field sobriety tests on any driver who is found to be driving in a suspicious manner as a condition of driving privileges. As an administrative agency, the Department of Licensing issues a state driver’s license based on the operator’s willingness to provide proof of acceptable blood alcohol levels (BAC) at a traffic stop. Therefore, if a suspected driver refuses a legally requested field sobriety test, or their test results reveal a BAC of 0.08 or higher, the Department of Licensing will automatically revoke driving privileges.

If you have been charged with the DUI crime in Washington, it is absolutely critical that you meet with a DUI attorney who can explain the process and your rights. A DUI conviction has very serious and long-term effects on your life, and can result in incarceration, loss of driving privileges, and even loss of your career. If you have been arrested for DUI, you can learn more about your legal rights by visiting http://www.vancouverlaw.net