Barbara A. Bowden

Tacoma, WA DUI Attorney

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Pros and Cons of Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft are ride-sharing apps that are growing in popularity among residents and visitors in Tacoma, Washington and across the United States. There are pros and cons to both of the apps, so we have created a visual list to compare the two in order to help you choose the best ride-sharing app for your needs.

Uber Vs. Lyft

Click the image above to view the infographic.

Marijuana breathalyzers coming soon to Washington?

Marijuana breathalyzers could be coming to Washington sometime this year, according to researchers at Washington State University. The breathalyzers would be a welcome tool for police, as recognizing individuals who are driving high can be a challenge.

Brethalyzer

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Marijuana breathalyzers coming soon to Washington?

Marijuana breathalyzers could be coming to Washington sometime this year, according to researchers at Washington State University. The breathalyzers would be a welcome tool for police, as recognizing individuals who are driving high can be a challenge.

What does this mean for drivers?

Not much right now. These breathalyzers will likely not be admitted or trusted for years to come. It is still important that Washington drivers know their rights under the law. In the state of Washington, a person cannot have more than 5 nanograms of THC (marijuana) per milliliter of blood to safely operate a vehicle. Currently, if an officer suspects that you are intoxicated with marijuana, they will ask you to submit to a drug recognition evaluation. Just like a field sobriety test performed when an alcohol DUI is suspected, this test is voluntary.

Police officers often look out for signs that might indicate a person is driving under the influence, such as

  • The smell of cannabis
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Speech irregularities
  • Marijuana inside the vehicle

Those who are pulled over for a marijuana DUI are typically stopped for similar reasons as alcohol DUIs. However, the body processes marijuana differently than it does alcohol. The same amount of marijuana can affect a chronic smoker and a new user very differently.

The safest thing to do is not risk operating a motor vehicle after consuming marijuana. Ask a trusted family member or friend to give you a ride, call a taxi or Uber driver, or wait to drive until you are completely sober. Knowing your limit as a marijuana user is very important. Much like a new medicine, you are advised to see how the drug will affect you before operating a vehicle.

Considering the consequences of a marijuana DUI, it’s not worth the risk of operating a vehicle impaired. A first marijuana DUI offense in Washington includes a 90 day license suspension and fines. A conviction could extend this punishment for up to four years. Of course, with more convictions come more severe penalties. A second or third conviction within seven years can yield a fine of up to $5,000 and between 30 days to one year in jail, not to mention license suspension for several years.

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Tacoma Raises Minimum Wage

Initiative 1B Passes

In Pierce County, Washington, on November 3, 2015, Tacoma passed ballot Initiative No. 1B and defeated Initiative No. 1A. Initiative No. 1A would raise the minimum wage for Tacoma, Washington, to $15 an hour. Initiative No. 1B was the city proposed alternative to 1A and only raises the city’s minimum wage to $12 an hour.

The measure only passed by a small majority of voters, with approximately 59 percent of voters voting for the initiative to pass. The initiative had two questions; the first was whether to approve any wage increase at all, and the second was a matter of which proposed minimum wage measure should be enacted.

With the passing of 1B, minimum wage will be raised to $12 an hour. This affects business owners and employees alike.

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What Happens at Court After a DUI Arrest?

August Bowden InfographicSo, you were charged with a DUI. Click the infographic to learn about what you can expect on your court date. If you have additional questions, contact the Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden today. We have an office that is conveniently located in Lakewood, WA.

Casa Mia: A Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden Favorite

Casa MiaLets be honest—we all love a good slice of pizza.And when the staff at The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden needs a slice of pizza (or two), we look no further than across the street to the delicious Casa Mia Italian Restaurant.

Casa Mia is a Washington favorite, dating back all of the way to 1952 when they opened their first restaurant in Hoquiam. Since then, they’ve opened seven Casa Mia Italian restaurants across the state of Washington—including our favorite in Lakewood. Their hand-tossed, New York-style Italian dishes are awesome, whether we’re looking to dine in or order out. Since they’ve opened they have won multiple awards—including first place in the “Pizza Across America” contest.

We love their fabulous and famous House Vinaigrette Dressing consisting of oil, cider vinegar, and seasoning for our salads. However, there is no denying that their Chicken Pizza with Three Cheeses is one of the best pizzas that you can find in the entire state of Washington. [Read more…]