Federal prosecutors work on the side of the law, helping courts find evidence to put criminals behind bars. It can be surprising then to see a prosecutor on the other side of the law, being charged with a crime. It’s not hard for someone to be charged with a DUI.
A federal prosecutor was recently arrested in Spokane after driving while intoxicated. A Washington State Patrol trooper made the arrest. The assistant U.S. attorney was booked into Spokane County Jail in the early morning hours of December 23. No other details were released regarding the arrest.
Ironically, the prosecutor was part of a team who had prosecuted a Spokane police officer in 2011. The police officer was convicted of using excessive force in the 2006 beating death of a mentally disabled man.
DUI in Washington
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a charge you can face in Washington for driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Intoxication occurs when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is at 0.08 or above, if you are over age 21. If convicted of such a charge, you will face various administrative and criminal penalties.
Your punishment will depend on your BAC. The higher your BAC, the more harshly you will be punished. If your BAC is under 0.15 and you had no previous DUI charges in the past seven years, you could face a 90-day license suspension and up to 364 days in jail. Fines range from $940 to $5,000.
If your BAC is above 0.15, the penalties increase. You will still face up to 364 days of jail time, but your driver’s license will be suspended for one year. Fines range from $1,195.50 to $5,000. You will also be required to attend alcohol and drug treatment programs before you can get your license back.
Get Help for Your Criminal Case
Nobody is immune to the dangers of alcohol use. Drinking too much just one time and then attempting to drive can lead to a DUI charge. There are no second chances. You could face hefty fines and other penalties if convicted.
Don’t fight your DUI case alone. With the criminal defense lawyers at the Nahajski Firm on your side, you’ll get a team dedicated to fighting for your legal rights. Find out more about how we can help you by scheduling a free consultation. Contact the Nahajski Firm today at (206) 621-0500.