Beginning Friday there will be extra DUI patrols in Seattle, and King County as part of the State's "Drive hammered, Get nailed." As a Seattle DUI Attorney, I think this so called campaign has some merit to it. Im all for protecting our community, and families. But at the same time I believe these campaigns or extra patrols are just fronts for excessive 4th amendment violations, and excuses to conduct unlawful stops.
There was an article in the PI this week that provided statistics for last years campaign, including the number of DUI arrests. I was pretty surprised by the number of DUI arrests last year during this campaign in King County. Believe it or not the number exceeded 10,000.
The article also went on to say that "Drunks" drive a certain and the police encourage people to call 911 if they suspect a drunken driver. Now I have previously written my opinion on this idea of overzealous good samaritans calling police and following suspected DUI drivers.
To me this is completely ridiculous the police are encouraging citizens to do this. Can you imagine being on your cell phone, accidentally cross a lane of traffic, and have some pyscho follow you to your house and try and detain you by conducting a citizens arrest. And believe me as a Seattle DUI Attorney I have had cases where these crazies have actually done that.
Now don't get me wrong, as I said before Im all for protecting our community, and encouraging people to make better decisions. But at what costs should this be done. I for one don't believe I should give up my constitutional right to be free from unlawful seizures just because the WSP is trying to justify their extra hires, and get more money from the government.
_
Matthew Leyba is a Seattle DUI Lawyer who practices throughout Western Washington. If you have been falsely arrested for a DUI contact our office immediately to ensure your constitutional rights are protected.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.