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End of Summer Brings Increased DUI Enforcement Across Washington State

Posted by Mark Garka | Aug 29, 2017 | 0 Comments

With Labor Day approaching, many residents throughout Washington state will be celebrating the unofficial end of summer and the three day weekend. Often, this means celebrating with alcohol – and not always with happy endings.

According to statistics, summer months see a sharp increase in alcohol-related accidents throughout the United States, earning the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day its designation as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Labor Day Weekend also sees historically high rates of drunk driving accidents that result in injuries and deaths. As a result, law enforcement officers ramp up DUI enforcement in hopes of getting impaired drivers off the road.

In response to the rise in impaired driving wrecks, law enforcement across Washington and Snohomish County will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pull Over campaign, in which more officers will be conducting saturation patrols in search of drunk and drugged drivers. Enforcement efforts will also include increased attention on upholding traffic laws.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is currently in effect, and will continue until the end of Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 2017. In Snohomish County, the Sheriff's Department and police from Lynnwood will be working with other local law enforcement – including those from Everett, Edmonds, Bothell, Monroe, and Mountlake Terrace – to crack down on impaired driving. The campaign is part of Washington State Traffic Commission's Target Zero initiative, which aims to stem to rising tide of traffic deaths and serious injuries across the state by 2030.

If you and your loved ones have plans to celebrate the coming Holiday Weekend, be aware that there will be increased law enforcement presence on local roads and highways. Do your part to stay safe by drinking responsibly or planning for a sober ride. Officers will also be focusing on enforcing marijuana DUI laws, so plan ahead if you intend to partake.

DUI Arrests During Periods of Increased Enforcement

At the Law Office of Mark W. Garka, PLLC, our legal team has represented many residents across the region who were arrested and charged with driving under the influence during periods of increased enforcement, including those under the Target Zero and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. It is important to remember that while an arrest and criminal charge may be frightening, you still have the right to challenge the government's allegations against you, and to have the help of a proven lawyer when doing so.

By working with a former prosecutor who now focuses on representing the accused, you can benefit from invaluable insight into how the government works to convict and penalize DUI suspects. Our legal team works diligently to investigate all facts and circumstances surrounding an arrest and create an effective defense in pursuit of the best possible resolution. During periods of increased DUI enforcement, this includes paying extra attention to the conduct of law enforcement officers – specifically to ensure overzealous officers did not violate your rights when making an unlawful stop, search, or seizure. Should it be discovered that police did not have probable cause to pull you over or make an arrest, any evidence obtained in the course of an unlawful search would not be permissible in your case.

Because law enforcement patrols will be active day and night, our legal team is available 24/7 to help. To discuss your rights and how we can help, contact us for a FREE consultation.

About the Author

Mark Garka

Mark is a solo-practitioner who limits his practice to DUI Defense. During Law School, he worked in the Juvenile Division for the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and he also worked in the Corrections Division at the Attorney General's Office. After completing his degree, he clerked...

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