The Rhode Island State Police recently arrested a man who allegedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.362.

The legal limit for driving in Rhode Island (just as it is in Washington) is 0.08. So this man was driving with a blood alcohol level well over four times the legal limit. And to show that the test was no fluke, the man took another breath test and measured a slightly lower 0.356.

For the average-sized man, it takes about 17 shots of liquor in a three-hour span to get a blood alcohol level up to this level. It's not clear how big this man was, how long he was drinking, or what he drank, but it's a shock that the man was able to even walk to his car and get his key into the ignition considering the amount of alcohol he consumed.

Given the quantities of alcohol that this man reportedly consumed, you may be wondering if a drunk driver faces enhanced penalties for drunk driving in Washington given blood alcohol content. In other words, does someone face tougher penalties just because he drank more?

The answer is "yes." In Washington, a drunk driving suspect faces more severe penalties if he is alleged to have had a blood alcohol content at or above 0.15. Increased penalties can include a longer minimum jail sentence, longer license suspension, and greater monetary fine.

If you are arrested for a DUI in the Seattle or King County area, you should be aware of the different factors that prosecutors consider when seeking penalties including the amount of alcohol you allegedly consumed. That's why you should work with an experienced DUI attorney that can explain to you the charges against you, Washington DUI laws, and options for your defense.

The lawyers at Wolff Criminal Defense have been representing drunk driving defendants for many years. Don't fight your DUI case alone. Contact us at 425-284-2000 for a free consultation.