DUI
Information
Complying With Washington State DUI Laws
Washington State’s DUI laws are some of the toughest enforced anywhere in the United States. The laws continue to increase penalties for driving drunk, and change the way this state treats drunk drivers.
Drivers with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) at .08 or above can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. A BAC measures the ratio of alcohol to blood and is measured by a test of a driver’s breath or blood.
Washington Laws also give police more power when arresting people charged with DUI. They can suspend drivers licenses, impound vehicles, and pursue drivers across state lines who are apparently impaired by alcohol.
Authorities have the right to suspend the drivers license of any person, even a first-time DUI offender, who fails the BAC test. The fees for reissuing a revoked or suspended license range from $50 to $150. A police officer may impound the vehicle of an individual up to 90 days who is charged with driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
If a driver who has been charged with a DUI believes that his/her actions were the result of an addiction to alcohol or drugs, the driver may qualify for a Deferred Prosecution which puts the DUI charges on hold. Completing a two-year treatment program, attending a self-help group, staying drug and alcohol free and not driving without a valid driver’s license and insurance are required for five years! The charge can then be deferred. A non-compliant person will be found guilty of the DUI charge. This defense can only be invoked ONCE in a person’s lifetime (it used to be once every five years). *Compiled from Washington Traffic Safety Committee literature
Olalla’s Outpatient Offers DUI Help
For over 20 years, Olalla’s outpatient program, Gig Harbor Counseling, has been offering services that meet the requirements of the Washington State deferred prosecution program. We are held in high regard by our referring attorneys because of our excellent reputation and timely communication with the courts and our affordable program fees for clients.
The evaluation process consists of written objective tests and an interview with a counselor. Patterns of drug/alcohol use, family history and “What brought you here?” are all discussed. All of this taken together determines the diagnosis. It is important to note: “We don’t want people in treatment who don’t need to be here. They wouldn’t get much out of it and it would do a disservice to our patients who do need to be here.”
OUR TWO-YEAR DEFERRED PROGRAM consists of:
PHASE I: Intensive Outpatient program - Education, group sessions and individual counseling sessions. Includes Alcohol and Other Drug Education Classes.
PHASE II: weekly group Counseling and Relapse Prevention sessions - Focus of group is in-depth discussion and personal interpretation of recovery principles.
PHASE III: monthly group sessions - In a focus group format.
THE DEFERRED PROSECUTION PROGRAM might also include the
following if deemed necessary:
Relapse Prevention -This is a program for those individuals who relapse while involved in a treatment process.
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