Since the law [SHB 3055] took effect just over a year ago, judges have handed down conflicting rulings on the question of whether lawmakers went too far -- and if so, what it should mean for the people facing drunken-driving charges in their courtrooms. Three Seattle Municipal Court judges said the law is fine; three others said parts of it are unconstitutional. At least five King County District Court judges tossed out the entire law -- along with the breath-test results of accused drunken drivers. The state Supreme Court has now agreed to decide whether the law, which the 2004 Legislature passed unanimously, should stand. Justices are expected to hear arguments this fall.
New DUI law tossed out by judges across state
This article originally published
Friday, August 5, 2005 by
TRACY JOHNSON - SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER at
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER .
Judges around the state are throwing out a new law that was supposed to make Washington tougher on drunken driving and breath-test results more difficult to keep out of court....
