The new DUI laws that will increase penalties and crack down on drunk driving in Washington will go into effect this Saturday, reports Q13 Fox.

Senate Bill 5912 was passed earlier this year. The impetus for the bill was a spate of high-profile drunk driving incidents that resulted in tragedy. After much wrangling, lawmakers finally drafted a bill that was able to survive the Washington legislature. As a result, Washington will have some of the toughest DUI laws in the country.

Some of the features of the new drunk driving law include:

• Repeat DUI offenders will now automatically be sent to jail until they can see a judge. This ensures that a drivers with drinking problems are not released back into the public too quickly.
• Repeat DUI offenders must install an ignition interlock device in their cars within five days of their arrest. Many individuals who had been required to install the device failed to do so.
• Certain offenders may be required to undergo 24-7 sobriety monitoring. Washington will only be the fourth state to adopt this practice and offenders may be required to wear some type of technology that will prove their sobriety.
• Enhanced penalties for certain drunk driving offenses such as driving the wrong way down the road or driving impaired with a minor in the car.

As you can see, the new drunk driving laws target repeat DUI offenders. So if you are accused of two or more offenses, it is important that you work with experienced counsel as you could face significant penalties.

To discuss the details of your case with a tough advocate for your rights, contact the Seattle DUI attorneys at Wolff Criminal Defense. You can schedule a consultation to review your case by calling us at 425-284-2000.