A drunk driving charge is Washington is serious enough. Someone convicted of the charge could face mandatory jail time, monetary fines, and may be required to install an ignition interlock devices.

Unfortunately, many drunk drivers aggravate the penalties they face by making additional mistakes. Here is a look at some common wrong moves that drunk drivers make (and that you should avoid):

• Speeding. Speeding carries separate penalties from a drunk driving charge. So you could see additional fines and fees. Furthermore, depending upon how fast you were driving, you could face charges of reckless driving or endangerment.
• Child Endangerment. It is one thing to put your own life at risk by drunk driving, but it is another if you put your children's lives at risk too. If you are caught drunk driving with a minor in your car, you could face criminal child endangerment charges. In this case, you could potentially lose custody of your children.
• Driving Drunk, Again. Repeat offenders face some of the stiffest penalties in Washington. So if you've previously been convicted of a DUI, you will want to be extra careful to have a designated driver or to always drive sober.
• Failing to Carry Insurance or Valid Driver's License. You are required to carry valid proof of insurance and a valid driver's license. Many DUI suspects fail to meet one or both of these requirements.
• Arguing With the Arresting Officer. Being disruptive and uncooperative with the arresting officer will not get you anywhere. Instead, you should cooperate with police as much as you can. Failure to do so can result in resisting arrest charges and other criminal penalties.

If you have been charged with drunk driving in the Seattle or King County areas, you should be sure to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney. The penalties for DUI and related charges can be severe. An attorney at Wolff Criminal Defense can help review your options and possible defenses. Contact us at 425-284-2000 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.