In WA State, most people understand that you can be charged with DUI if your breath test result is .08 or above. However, WA State law provides that you can be charged with driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor when your ability to drive is effected to any appreciable degree.
This general law determines that you can be charged with drunk driving and have a breath test of under .08. For example, if a Tacoma police officer observes careless driving or you are in a motor vehicle accident, they may recommend that you be charged with DUI even though your breath test was under the legal limit.
This is especially true if you are unable to pass the optional field sobriety tests. Cristine Beckwith is a Tacoma Pierce County DUI attorney that has had successful results fighting for clients with breath test results above and below the presumptive legal limit.
Call us today for a free consultation.