Tacoma, WA DUI Attorney
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253-473-4262Uber 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.
Click the image above to view the infographic.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! There are still plenty of events happening in the Tacoma, Washington area in the next several weeks. We’ve compiled a list for you and the family to enjoy your time together as schedules begin to pick up again.
School is back in session, and work is in full swing, but we know how important it is to be able to enjoy yourself with family and friends, in addition to winding down from a long day or week at the office.
When: Every Thursday through October
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Between 9th and 11th street, Tacoma, WA
How Much: FREE!
What better way to welcome the fall than with a farmer’s market? The Broadway Farmer’s Market began in 1990, and this will be the place to be on Thursdays this fall. You can enjoy local produce, chef demonstrations, gardening tips and entertainment for the whole family.
When: Sunday, September 6
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma, WA
How Much: Free with paid admission or membership
Typically, we go to the zoo the check out all of the incredible animals. On Sunday, September 6, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be giving one-hour garden tours of the beautiful plant-life. You can find out more about attracting butterflies and bees, among other animals, to your own garden!
You can learn more about this event here.
When: Friday, September 18
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Where: Frost Park, Corner of 9th and Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA
How Much: FREE (chalk included!)
This event will be taking place every Friday through October, but you won’t want to miss the first of the season! Are you looking to revisit your creative youth? The Frost Park Chalk Off is great for the entire family, and it gives you a chance to release your inner creativity via drawing with sidewalk chalk.
This event has a competitive side, too. There will be one weekly winner of the chalk drawing competition, and everyone participating will have a chance to win prizes!
When: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 27
Time: Available on their website.
Where: Washington State Fair Event Center, 110 9th Ave. SW, Puyallup, WA, 98371
How Much: Prices Available on their website.
This is the largest fair in the state of Washington, and you won’t want to miss it! If you’re willing to make the (relatively short) trip over to Puyallup, we would love to see you there.
The fair began in 1900, and it is still going strong every year. You can enjoy delicious food, craft beer and live entertainment. Headliners range from Duran Duran, Keith Urban and Iggy Azalea all the way to Jason Derulo, Fifth Harmony and Dan + Shay.
Learn more about the fair here.
We are looking forward to seeing you at all of these events! As always, if you are planning on drinking at these events, make sure you have a designated driver to bring you there and back safely.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI or has gotten a traffic ticket in Tacoma or Lakewood, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden are here to help. Call us today!
So, 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.
Is that mid-Summer boredom beginning to kick in? We know the feeling. It’s not quite time for the kids to go back to school yet, but you have just about exhausted all of your planned activities for the family in a couple short months. Summer is never easy because you want to find the perfect balance of productivity, both at work and around the house, and leisurely activities to keep you grounded. We know from experience that the best way to cure a little summer boredom is with some good, old-fashioned, fun! We collected some information about upcoming events near our Tacoma, Washington office in August!
We always advocate for being safe at these types of events which may include having a designated driver to take care of the group’s travels.
Below are some events in the Tacoma area that are coming in the upcoming several weeks:
There is a toll fee to cross eastbound on the Narrows Bridge and also across Lake Washington on the 520 Bridge. People that cross frequently can obtain a Good to Go Pass that is placed on the windshield and have their bank account automatically billed for each toll crossing. Also, on the Narrows Bridge, there are toll booths for people, who don’t have the Good to Go pass, to pay as they go.
As the toll fees continue to rise to the present level of between $5.00 and $7.00, depending upon the method of payment for an ordinary vehicle or motorcycle, the failure to pay the toll carries with it a civil penalty of $40.00, on top of the toll. To the unwary motorist, forgetting to stop at the toll booth during a simple one-time crossing of the bridge can cost nearly $50.00, after everything is all said and done.
However, there is some grace in the Washington State Department of Transportation. DoT has now decided to adopt a program of waiving the $40.00 civil penalty, if you just come forward and pay the actual unpaid tolls that are due. That’s a pretty good deal, especially for Tacoma residents who may have had an occasion to drive over to Bremerton or the Peninsula across the Narrows Bridge, or, who simply forgot to stop at the toll booth on the way back home. To request a waiver of the civil penalty, a person must contact a Good to Go Service office.
Lets 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…]
