Repeat drunk drivers in Washington can expect much tougher punishments starting in the new year. As of January 1, the 24/7 DUI Monitoring Program is set to begin in five areas of Washington: Centralia, Chelan County, Kent, Spokane County, and Thurston County, reports King 5 News.

Under the pilot program, a judge may order a drunk driver sentenced to two or more DUIs to undergo daily monitoring of any substance use. The individual will have to go to a jail twice a day to submit to a breath test. The offender bears the burden of paying $4 for each breath test. If going to jail twice a week is too onerous, the offender can pay more for an ankle monitor. The individual will have to pay $12 a day for such a device.

How the program works is that if the person is sober and passes the test, he is free to go. On the other hand, if the individual fails the test, he will be incarcerated.

The idea behind the 24/7 DUI Monitoring Program is to focus on the problem-area of repeat DUI offenders. Law enforcement personnel have identified this group as being the most difficult group to control. Oftentimes, the threat of increased jail time and monetary fines has not curbed repeat offenders. The hope is that 24/7 monitoring of these individuals will put a dent in these cases.

Whether the pilot program is expanded to other cities and counties in Washington may depend upon the success in the initial five areas. To learn more about this program and other DUI penalties, you may want to talk to a Seattle DUI attorney. The penalties for drunk driving are very severe and you will not want to fight your charge alone. Contact an experienced attorney at Wolff Criminal Defense by calling 425-284-2000 and learn how we can help you.