Having a child under sixteen in your car while driving impaired can result in extra problems.
If you have a child under the age of 16 in your vehicle when you’re stopped for a DUI means you could be facing increased penalties if convicted.
RCW 46.61.507 states the following
In every case where a person is arrested for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, the law enforcement officer shall make a clear notation if a child under the age of sixteen was present in the vehicle. A law enforcement officer shall promptly notify child protective services whenever a child is present in a vehicle being driven by his or her parent, guardian, legal custodian, or sibling or half-sibling and that person is being arrested for a drug or alcohol-related driving offense. This section does not require law enforcement to take custody of the child unless there is no other responsible person, or an agency having the right to physical custody of the child that can be contacted, or the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the child should be taken into custody pursuant to RCW 13.34.050 or 26.44.050. For purposes of this section, “child” means any person under sixteen years of age
This means that the division of child protection services can get involved. You will definitely need the assistance of a defense attorney.
If you’ve been charged with any type of drunken driving offense, the best thing you can do is contact a experienced Washington DUI attorney.
Crystal Lambert is available not only for DUI cases, but she’s also available for those who need representation in family law cases. Click here to see the services available.
Crystal Lambert can help you with a DUI charge. Click here to read more about Lambert Law or call them at 360-737-1473.