New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights for law enforcement across Washington — and Kittitas County is no exception. Whether you’re celebrating in Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn, or Suncadia, there’s one holiday tradition you definitely want to avoid: a DUI arrest.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common legal mistakes made on New Year’s Eve, especially regarding impaired driving, and tell you exactly what to do if you’re pulled over for DUI in Kittitas County.
🚓 Mistake #1: Assuming You Won’t Get Pulled Over
DUI patrols are increased on New Year’s Eve, with local agencies like the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Ellensburg PD, and Washington State Patrol running extra saturation patrols.
Even small towns like Roslyn and Cle Elum can see arrests throughout the night.
If you’re driving, assume law enforcement is watching — particularly near party venues, rural highways (like I‑90), and ski areas.
🍷 Mistake #2: Believing “Just a Few Drinks” Is Safe
Washington has a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%, but you can still be arrested if your driving is impaired — even below that limit.
Mixing alcohol with cannabis, fatigue, or cold-weather medications increases impairment. One of the most common statements heard by officers:
“I didn’t think I was over the limit.”
🚨 What to Do If You’re Pulled Over for DUI in Kittitas County
Being stopped on suspicion of DUI is stressful — but how you respond matters:
✅ Stay Calm and Polite
- Keep your hands visible
- Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked
🚫 Don’t Admit to Drinking
- You’re not legally required to answer questions like “How much have you had tonight?”
- Politely say: “I’d prefer to speak with a lawyer before answering.”
✅ You May Decline Field Sobriety Tests
- These roadside balance and eye tests are voluntary
- You can say: “I don’t feel comfortable taking tests without legal counsel”
🚗 Decide on the Breath Test Carefully
- Refusing a breath test at the station (not the roadside one) can lead to:
- Automatic license suspension
- Use of your refusal as evidence
Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately before making this decision.
⚖️ DUI Charges in Kittitas County: What’s Next?
If you’re arrested:
- You may be held at Kittitas County Jail in Ellensburg or released with a summons
- Your case will likely be heard in Kittitas County District Court
- You’ll face:
- Mandatory court appearance
- Potential fines, license suspension, ignition interlock device, or jail
A first-time DUI is typically a gross misdemeanor, but penalties increase if:
- You refused a test
- You had a minor in the car
- You’ve had prior DUIs
📞 Arrested in Kittitas County on New Year’s Eve?
Don’t let one mistake follow you into the new year. If you’ve been arrested, cited, or are facing DUI charges, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
📞 Call Blanford Law at 253‑720‑9304
📧 Email ken@blanfordlaw.com
We handle DUI and criminal defense cases throughout Kittitas County and Eastern Washington.
Additional Resources
- Bellevue v. Redlack: Double Jeopardy and DUI in Washington
This case explores whether a DUI prosecution violated double jeopardy protections under Washington law. - IIDL Ruling: Waiver Requirement Found Unconstitutional
Learn how Washington’s ignition interlock license waiver process was ruled unconstitutional in a recent case. - Seattle v. Mesiani and DUI Checkpoints in Washington
A landmark Washington case that effectively banned DUI checkpoints across the state. - Are Pretextual Traffic Stops Legal in Washington?
This article discusses the legality and limits of pretextual stops by law enforcement in Washington. - The “Barbie Jeep” DWI: What Happened and Why It Matters
A viral DWI case offers surprising lessons about intoxication, vehicle definitions, and media attention.