At Wolff Criminal Defense, we’re committed to helping people fight their DUI charges in Seattle and King County, because the consequences of a conviction can be absolutely fierce. In fact, a DUI conviction carries mandatory jail time, and if you think that sentence is only for repeat offenders, think again. One Idaho man recently learned the hard way that even a first-time DUI carry some very severe penalties.

Thirty-two-year-old Jason Ray Calhoun began serving a one-year jail sentence last week, after he was sentenced for being drunk and causing a single-vehicle traffic accident in 2012 that seriously injured a passenger. When injury accidents are involved in a DUI case, the chances of receiving the maximum sentence are much greater, even if the DUI suspect wasn’t entirely to blame for the crash.

But Calhoun’s blood alcohol level also worked against him. According to reports, Calhoun registered a blood alcohol content of .265, more than three times the legal limit in any U.S. state. This very likely contributed to his accident, which involved crashing through a fence and into a stand of trees. Calhoun and his passenger both suffered severe head injuries and were airlifted to a nearby hospital.

From what we know, Jason Ray Calhoun isn’t some thug with no regard for society. In fact, he’s a professional electrician and a volunteer firefighter, someone to whom his attorney referred as an “all-around good guy.” Unfortunately, it appears that Calhoun made a serious error in judgment on the night of his arrest, and now he’ll spend the next year behind bars. He’ll also serve an additional four years’ probation.

At Calhoun’s sentencing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matt Fredback said that the injured passenger nearly died from his injuries. “We’re really fortunate that this isn’t a manslaughter case,” Fredback said in court. Fortunately, the passenger did not die, but these types of events remind us that DUI cases are about more than just jail time and license suspension. DUI prevention is about saving lives.

Nevertheless, just because you have been charged with DUI does not mean that you’re automatically guilty, and regardless of the circumstances, you deserve a legal team that will fight aggressively on your behalf. If you have received a DUI charge in Seattle or anywhere in King County, WA, contact the DUI attorneys at Wolff Criminal Defense. We have the experience, the knowledge and the skill to help you level the playing field. Call us at 425-284-2000 to receive a free, confidential case evaluation today.