Washington State Negligent Driving Lawyer
The laws on negligent driving are complex and can be difficult to understand. The offense of negligent driving first degree is a misdemeanor with a punishment of up to 90 days in jail, and $1000 fine. Negligent driving second degree is an infraction with a penalty of $250 plus other costs.
Mr. Graham will fight to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome in your negligent driving court case. Stephen Graham has an 86% "Not Guilty" rate for criminal jury trials. Steve Graham was rated one of Spokane's top 5 criminal attorneys by the local magazine Spokane - Couer d'Alene Living. Don't leave your future to chance. Serving Spokane County, Grant County, Ferry County, Lincoln County, Whitman County, Okanogan County and Stevens County, attorney Graham is available for a free consultation today.
Negligent Driving First Degree
Negligent driving in the first degree is a criminal offense in Washington State. The elements of the offense are 1) that a person operated a motor vehicle in a negligent manner, and endangered or was likely to endanger persons or property, and 2) the driver exhibits the effects of having consumed alcohol or an illegal drug.
“Exhibiting the effects of alcohol” means that the person has the odor of alcohol on their breath, or that by their speech, appearance, manner, behavior, lack of coordination, or otherwise exhibits that they have consumed liquor. Additionally there must also be proof that the person was in possession of alcohol or liquor or was in close proximity to a container that recently had alcohol in it; or was shown by other evidence to have recently consumed alcohol. As a person can see, the elements of this offense can be very complicated.
Negligent Driving First Degree with Illegal Drugs
A person can also commit the offense by driving negligently while "exhibiting the effects of having consumed an illegal drug". This means that a person, by speech, behavior, manner, lack of coordination, appearance, or otherwise, exhibits that he or she has consumed an illegal drug. There is the additional requirement that there be proof that the person was in possession of an illegal drug; or was shown by other evidence to have recently consumed the illegal drug. An “illegal drug” is a controlled substance or legend drug for which the driver does not have a valid prescription or that is not being consumed in accordance with the prescription.
Negligent Driving in the Second Degree
Negligent driving in the 2nd degree is a traffic infraction. As with any infraction, the only punishment is a fine, and a person cannot be put in jail for such an offense. This is true even if a person has a substantial record of prior offenses. For an infraction, a person has no right to a jury trial or a defense attorney at public expense. Often the primary concern on such a ticket is an increase in insurance rates.
What is “Negligent” Driving?
"Negligent" means the failure of a driver to exercise ordinary care, and is the commission of some act that a reasonably careful person would not do under the same or similar circumstances.
Negligence can also be based on the failure to do something that a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances. Criminal defense lawyers often see this offense alleged when there is an allegation of excessive speed, inattention to driving, or falling asleep. In Washington, the charges sometimes stem from an automobile accident although proof of a collision is certainly not required. Cases sometimes involve an allegation that a person drove too fast on snowy or icy roads during the winter months. Snow and ice can also result in tickets for Speed Too Fast For Conditions. “Negligence” should be contrasted with “reckless driving” which involves a greater risk to persons or property.
Negligent Driving and DUI
Sometimes a charge of negligent driving (1st or 2nd degree) is charged along with the offense of DUI. Under the Washington court rules, these double charges are usually permitted. This typically would not violate the double jeopardy clause. Negligent driving in the first degree is a common charge that DUI is amended down to as a result of a plea bargain. This is particularly true when the DUI breath test result is not very high, and when the defendant does not have any priors. For DUI convictions in Washington State, there is always a mandatory jail sentence, but there is no such mandatory minimum for convictions for negligent driving in the first degree. Additionally, for DUI, the probationary period is 5 years, but for negligent driving 1st degree convictions, the probationary period can be no more than 2 years. Whether or not a person should accept a plea deal for negligent driving depends on the facts of the case. This is something a person needs to discuss with their criminal lawyer after considering all the issues going in on their case. Obviously the best-case scenario is a dismissal, or “not guilty” verdict, and such a result should be the top priority of the defense attorney. If a person pleads guilty to negligent driving 1st degree after having been originally charged with DUI, that conviction will count as an alcohol related prior offense if they go to court again for another DUI. People convicted of DUI find that they have difficulty entering Canada, and the same is often true for people convicted of negligent driving in the first degree.
Negligent Driving and the Department of Licensing
For the charge of negligent driving 2nd degree, there is no required license suspension with the Department of Licensing. This is also true of the charge of negligent driving in the first degree. However, if a person is convicted of negligent driving in the first degree, DOL will require a driver to have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her car if the driver has any prior alcohol-related offenses.
Free Consultation:
If you want to discuss your court case with me please call. We do free consultations on criminal matters in eastern Washington. You will receive our honest opinions, and we will listen to you and answer your questions. Call (509) 252-9167.
Areas where Mr. Graham practices: The Superior Courts and District Courts of Spokane County, WA; Colville WA; Stevens County; Ferry County; Republic WA; Okanogan County; Davenport WA; Lincoln County; Cheney WA; Grant County; Moses Lake; Ephrata WA; Ritzville WA; Adams County; Colfax WA, Pullman WA, Whitman County, Pend Oreille County and Newport, WA.
Please visit our most recent blog posting: Ignition Interlock in Washington. The ignition interlock device is being required under Washington law for an increasing number of offenses, but the instrument also gives many drivers the opportunity to avoid having their license revoked or suspended. The ignition interlock device allows many people in rural counties the chance to travel and maintain their livelihood.