According to Q13 Fox News, a bill that would require harsher penalties for people convicted of felony-level offenses for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has unanimously passed the House.
House Bill 2280, approved Monday, would make a driver’s fourth DUI conviction within 10 years a Class B felony, rather than a Class C felony.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers of Washington State, in 2015, 149 people died from crashes related to drunk driving. That makes up more than 34-percent of all traffic deaths in the state of Washington. And MADD says that 2015 number increased by more than four-percent from 2014.
The bill will now be considered by the Senate.
A Class C felony has a maximum of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
A Class B felony has a maximum of 10 years in prison, $20,000 fine or both.
A DUI is a gross misdemeanor in existing law.
A DUI for someone convicted of vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while intoxicated would also be a Class B felony under the bill.
Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member are charged with DUI. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.
