DUI Category Archives — Tacoma Criminal Lawyer Blog Published by Tacoma, Washington Criminal Attorneys

Court Explains What Evidence is Sufficient to Establish Washington DUI Crimes

Published on: April 6, 2023 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

In order to convict a person for a Tacoma Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the prosecution must demonstrate that the person operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit or while under the influence of an intoxicant. To do so, the prosecution will usually rely on the results of a chemical test establishing the person’s blood alcohol level. If chemical tests are conducted too long after an alleged DUI offense occurred, though, the results of the test may be inadequate to demonstrate guilt. Recently, a Washington court discussed what constitutes sufficient evidence to establish that a defendant committed a DUI crime in a case in which it ultimately upheld the defendant’s conviction. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is critical to speak to a Tacoma DUI defense attorney about your possible defenses.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant consumed multiple alcoholic beverages during brunch with his wife before visiting a boat museum. On the way home, he crashed his vehicle with his wife in the passenger seat, resulting in her death. The state charged him with vehicular homicide. During the trial, the state presented evidence that the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration was above the legal limit within two hours of the accident.

It is reported that the state argued that even though the defendant’s blood was drawn more than two hours after the crash, an expert used retrograde extrapolation to demonstrate the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration within two hours of the accident, which led to his conviction. The defendant appealed the decision, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Continue reading

Es el idioma una defensa en un caso de DUI?

Published on: January 26, 2023 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Mexico-Language-300x300 Es el idioma una defensa en un caso de DUI? La barrera del idioma se puede usar como defensa en un caso de DUI en el estado de Washington si el acusado puede demostrar que la barrera le impidió comprender las consecuencias de sus acciones o las instrucciones que le dio la policía. Esta defensa se puede plantear en varios contextos diferentes, tales como:

Durante el arresto: si el acusado no entendió las instrucciones que le dio el oficial que lo arrestó, como los derechos Miranda, se podría argumentar que no renunció a sus derechos a sabiendas y voluntariamente.

Durante la prueba química: si el acusado no entendió las instrucciones que se le dieron sobre cómo realizar la prueba química (prueba de aliento o de sangre), o las consecuencias de rechazar la prueba, se podría argumentar que no se sometió a sabiendas y voluntariamente. a la prueba

Durante los procedimientos judiciales: si el acusado no comprende los cargos que se le imputan o los procedimientos judiciales, se podría argumentar que no puede ayudar de manera efectiva en su propia defensa.

Es importante tener en cuenta que la defensa de la barrera del idioma no tiene éxito automáticamente solo porque el acusado no habla inglés como su primer idioma. El acusado tendría que demostrar que la barrera del idioma en realidad les impidió comprender la información relevante en su caso.

Además, es importante tener en cuenta que la defensa de la barrera del idioma se puede usar junto con otras defensas de DUI, como cuestionar la legalidad del arresto o la precisión de la prueba química. Un abogado podría aconsejarle sobre la mejor defensa para usar en un caso específico.

¿Se puede desafiar una prueba química después de un arresto?

Published on: November 1, 2022 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

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De su abogado de DUI en Tacoma: Hay pocas cosas tan estresantes como una interacción con la policía en donde dan una prueba química. Los resultados de estas pruebas químicas se usan contra del conductor en la corte como prueba para demostrar una acusación de conducción bajo la influencia de drogas o alcohol.

En este país, la Constitución ofrece a todos, ciudadanos y no, la capacidad de preparar una defensa contra de cualquier acusación criminal. Esta misma Constitución establece límites y reglas que la policía y todos los demás en el sistema judicial tienen que obedecer. Cuando exceden estos límites, y resulta la injusticia, las víctimas de esta injusticia todavía tienen recursos y opciones. Por ejemplo, pueden desafiar la legitimidad del uso de la prueba química.

Fue una búsqueda ilegal

Cuando la policía lo paró a usted, ¿siguió el procedimiento apropiado? Si no, puede ser que haya violado los derechos constitucionales de usted. En casos así, su abogado puede pedirle a la corte de excluir toda la evidencia que resultó de la violación de los derechos.

Estas violaciones de derechos ocurren cuando la policía para a alguien sin suficiente justificación. Los policías necesitan tener motivos fundados (enlace en inglés) para parar a alguien, y también para mandarlos a tomar una prueba química. Sin estos motivos fundados, los resultados de la prueba se pueden excluir. Continue reading

Tribunal explica sanciones económicas por delitos de DUI en Tacoma

Published on: August 10, 2022 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Cash-II-300x300 En los casos de DUI de Tacoma, los tribunales suelen imponer multas a las personas condenadas, además de otras sanciones. Sin embargo, en algunos casos, como cuando un acusado es indigente, el Estado y/o la Ciudad pueden acordar renunciar a dichas multas. Si un tribunal impone por error sanciones financieras a un acusado de DUI a pesar de acordar no hacerlo, dichas multas pueden ser anuladas, como se demuestra en una opinión reciente de Washington emitida en un caso de DUI. Si vive en Tacoma y fue acusado de un delito de DUI, puede enfrentar sanciones sustanciales, y es inteligente hablar con un abogado defensor de DUI de Tacoma de confianza para determinar sus derechos.

Antecedentes Procesales del Caso

Se informa que el acusado fue acusado de delito grave de conducir bajo la influencia. Ella se declaró culpable, después de lo cual el tribunal impuso una sentencia en la parte inferior del rango estándar. El tribunal también acordó que renunciaría a todas las obligaciones legales y financieras que no fueran obligatorias, porque el acusado era indigente. Supuestamente, sin embargo, el tribunal determinó que estaba obligado por ley a imponer ciertas tarifas y sanciones por una condena por delito grave de DUI. Como tal, impuso $300 adicionales en multas bajo dos leyes estatales de vehículos motorizados. El demandado apeló, argumentando que las multas fueron impuestas por error.

Court Explains Financial Penalties for Tacoma DUI Crimes

Published on: August 10, 2022 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Cash-300x300 In Tacoma DUI cases, the courts typically impose fines on convicted persons, in addition to other penalties. However, in some cases, such as when a defendant is indigent, the State and/or City may agree to waive such fines. If a court mistakenly imposes financial penalties on a DUI defendant despite agreeing not to do so, such fines may be stricken, as demonstrated in a recent Washington opinion issued in a DUI case. If you live in Tacoma and were accused of a DUI offense, you may face substantial penalties, and it is smart to speak to a trusted Tacoma DUI defense attorney to determine your rights.

Procedural Background of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was charged with felony driving under the influence. She entered a guilty plea, after which the court imposed a sentence at the bottom of the standard range. The court also agreed that it would waive all legal, financial obligations that were not mandatory, because the defendant was indigent.

Allegedly, though, the court found that it was obligated as a matter of law to impose certain fees and penalties for a conviction for felony DUI. As such, it imposed an additional $300 in fines under two state motor vehicle laws. The defendant appealed, arguing that the fines were imposed in error. Continue reading

Should Your DUI Case Be Dismissed Because the Toxicologist Has Engaged in Misconduct?

Published on: June 17, 2022 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

“…the Draeger [breath test machine for DUIs] has generated tens of thousands of breath test result[s] … since 2010 in non-compliance with … WAC 448.16.060.” Judge Jahns, on behalf of all the Judges of Kitsap District Court.

The entire Kitsap Distict Court bench has spoken. All four judges agree. All Draeger breath test devices have not complied with the law since their inception. We are talking tens of thousands of breath tests since 2010. If you have a driving under the influence (DUI) case then contact the Tacoma DUI lawyers at Smith & White, PLLC. The reasoning of the court is simple. To summarize their decision: 1) the toxicologist was allowed to make reasonable rules about what is required for a valid test, 2)she created a rule that said the results should be rounded, 3) she had control over the machine’s software, 4) she required that the machine truncate, and not round, 5) she knows, or should have known, that in the scientific community truncate and round have different, specific meanings, 6) she knows, or should have known, that for scientific reliability of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that the same procedure should be used in both, 7) Likewise, she knew or should have known that the procedure the machine used needed to follow the administrative code that she created, and 8) she or her various subordinates then sworn, in thousands of cases, that the machine was following the code, i.e., that the machine was rounding and not truncating.

To make matters worse the Impaired Driving Section of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau then sent out a deceptive letter addressing the issue. The Kitsap court determined that a number of the assertions in the letter were “false or misleading.” The letter, entitled “Potential Impeachment Disclosure” was false or misleading in a number of ways. She said that the Impaired Driving Section was notified June 3rd, 2021 that the Draeger potentially failed to comply with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). However, the court found that they actually knew since the Draeger was approved in 2010. Also, that it “potentially” failed to comply with the WAC was similarly misleading as they knew that it had never complied with the WAC. Similarly, she was false or misleading when she said that this information was coming to light per the “Initial investigation.” Again, her office was on notice of this issue since its inception over a decade prior.

Washington Court Assesses DUI Charges Arising Out of Marijuana Use

Published on: June 2, 2022 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Under Washington law, it is legal for people to use marijuana recreationally. However, they must abide by certain restrictions and laws regarding the safe use of marijuana. If they do not, they may be charged with crimes. This was illustrated recently in a Washington ruling issued in a DUI case in which the court rejected the defendant’s assertion that he had a constitutional right to use marijuana without restriction. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is smart to speak to a dedicated Tacoma DUI defense attorney at Smith and White, PLLC regarding your rights as soon as possible.

Factual Background of the Case

It is reported that pursuant to Washington law, people can be convicted of DUI if, within two hours after driving, they have a THC concentration that is 5.00 nanograms per milliliter or higher, as illustrated by an analysis of their blood. The defendant was charged with and convicted of violating the marijuana DUI law after it was determined that his blood THC level was 9.4 nanograms per milliliter within two hours of driving. He appealed, arguing that the prong of the DUI statute regulating marijuana use was unconstitutionally vague and overbroad and was not a legitimate exercise of the legislature’s police power.

DUI Charges Arising Out of Marijuana Use

The appellate court rejected the defendant’s reasoning and affirmed his conviction. It explained that laws passed by the people through initiatives, like the DUI marijuana provisions, are presumed to be constitutional, and those individuals challenging the constitutionality of a law bear the burden of proving their position beyond a reasonable doubt. A party meets this burden if the research and arguments show that there is no reasonable doubt that the law violates the constitution. Continue reading

Washington Court Discusses the Right to a Speedy Trial in a DUI Case

Published on: February 10, 2022 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

The state and federal constitutions offer numerous rights and protections to criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy trial. These apply to all Pierce County and Tacoma DUI cases. Thus, if a criminal defendant is subjected to undue delays during the pendency of their trial, they may be able to successfully advocate for dismissal of the charges against them, regardless of the strength of the prosecution’s case. Recently, a Washington court discussed the evidence a defendant must produce to demonstrate their speedy trial rights have been violated in a matter in which the defendant was charged with DUI and other crimes. If you are accused of a DUI offense, it is smart to contact a Washington criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was charged with numerous crimes, including driving while under the influence following a police chase. He was incarcerated during the pendency of his trial for a total of 18 months. He was subsequently convicted, after which he sought an appeal, arguing that the trial court violated his right to a speedy trial when it granted multiple continuances in spite of his objections.

The Right to a Speedy Trial

The appellate court was not persuaded by the defendant’s reasoning and rejected his appeal. The analysis the courts conduct to determine if a defendant’s speedy trial rights have been violated are largely the same under both the state and federal constitutions. Specifically, the courts employ the Barker test, which is fact-specific and depends on the unique circumstances of the case. Continue reading

Washington Court Discusses Fines in DUI Cases

Published on: August 30, 2021 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

A conviction for a DUI crime may result in significant criminal and civil penalties, including fines. The courts have the discretion to decide whether to impose some fines, while others are mandatory. Generally, mandatory fines may only be suspended in limited circumstances, and if the court suspends such penalties without conducting the required analysis, they may be reinstituted, as demonstrated in a recent Washington matter in which the defendant was convicted of a DUI crime and other offenses. If you are accused of a DUI offense, it is advisable to confer with a Washington DUI defense lawyer to discuss what defenses you may be able to set forth to avoid a conviction.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was arrested and charged with numerous crimes, including DUI. The jury convicted him of the charged offenses, and the court imposed numerous costs and discretionary legal financial obligations. Specifically, the court imposed $1,245.00 in DUI fees, fines, and assessments, and $200 for a blood alcohol content fee. The defendant appealed, arguing that the trial court failed to conduct an individualized analysis as to his ability to pay the fees.

Washington Court Discusses Deferred Prosecution of DUI Crimes

Published on: April 29, 2021 | By The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

People charged with DUI offenses are often tried shortly after their arrests. In some instances, however, a person may be able to defer his or her prosecution to take part in a treatment or rehabilitation program. People who successfully complete such programs are often able to have their DUI charges dismissed, but they must comply with the conditions imposed by the law, and if they do not, their deferred prosecution may be revoked. The revocation of deferred prosecution was the topic of a recent Washington opinion. If you are accused of committing a DUI offense, it is smart to speak to a Washington criminal defense lawyer to evaluate your possible options.

The Defendant’s Charges

Reportedly, the defendant was charged with DUI and reckless driving in May 2012. He petitioned the court for deferred prosecution in October 2013. The court granted his petition and entered an order approving a two-year treatment plan and deferring the prosecution of the matter for five years. The order also dictated that the defendant had to totally abstain from the use of alcohol or illicit drugs for the duration of the deferred prosecution and abide by the law.

Allegedly, in January 2018, the State moved to revoke the defendant’s deferred prosecution on the grounds that he was charged with hit and run, reckless endangerment, and DUI. The trial court entered an order granting the petition, but the defendant appealed, and the trial court’s ruling was ultimately reversed. The State then petitioned the court of appeals for discretionary review. Continue reading