King County and Washington State law enforcement spent weeks warning drivers about the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which seeks to crack down on impaired drivers during the holiday season. And if the Thanksgiving weekend arrest numbers are any indication, the police are following through on their warning.

The campaign actually runs through January, but Thanksgiving weekend presented the first big push for the campaign. After all, the weekend traditionally ranks as one of the deadliest of the year on U.S. roads, not only due to impaired driving, but also due to the intense traffic and gridlock. When you add alcohol to the problem of traffic congestion, it can spell certain disaster.

Between Wednesday night and Sunday, the State Patrol arrested 52 suspected drunk drivers in King County alone. According to Trooper Julie Judson, there were no DUI wrecks on the road this holiday weekend, thanks to the efforts of law enforcement in pursuing drunk drivers. "We did pretty good this weekend," Judson said. "We're definitely focused on keeping fatality collisions and serious-injury collisions to zero if possible."

Troopers also noted that there were an exceptionally high number of drunken drivers caught in Pierce and Thurston counties over the long holiday weekend. Between Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, troopers in those counties arrested 81 people for DUI. You can expect these heightened arrests to continue throughout the holiday season.

In 2002, the Washington State Senate and House approved Bill 2216, which increases the standard prison sentence for DUI vehicular homicide. The bill raises the sentence for a first-time offender to six to eight years in prison, which is identical to the sentence for first-degree manslaughter. Previously, the prison range was only two to three years.

And that’s not the only problem that Washington State DUI suspects can face. Even when no one is harmed, DUI suspects still face a mandatory ignition interlock, vehicle impoundment, fines, license suspension and jail time. Washington takes impaired driving very seriously, and if you have been charged with DUI, you need to contact a qualified attorney at once.

At Wolff Criminal Defense, we limit our practice to driver's accused of DUI. With years of experience and a track record of exceptionally satisfied clients, we are committed to ensuring that everyone accused of DUI has a fair shake in the legal system. If you have been charged, call us today at 425-284-2000 to receive a free, confidential consultation. We are here to listen and help.