In the case of State v. Edgar DUI Washington, the Washington Court of Appeals overturned a felony DUI conviction after determining that the defendant had successfully proven the “safely off the roadway” affirmative defense under RCW 46.61.504. This important ruling highlights when Washington drivers may legally avoid a DUI conviction if they remove themselves from the roadway to prevent danger. Background of State v. Edgar Kevin Ray Edgar was arrested in Ellensburg, Washington, in the early morning hours of August 16, 2018. After drinking, he parked his vehicle at a large gas station parking lot, moving it roughly 20 feet away from the pumps to a location not obstructing traffic. He then fell asleep in the truck with the engine running. Law enforcement found him in this state and arrested him for physical control of a vehicle while under the influence, a felony because of his prior DUI-related conviction. Edgar argued at trial that he had taken responsible action by removing himself from the road. RCW 46.61.504 – Safely Off the Roadway Defense Washington law under RCW 46.61.504 allows a driver to avoid a DUI or physical control conviction if they can show that they were safely off the roadway. This is an affirmative defense, meaning the burden is on the defendant to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they were not endangering others. Court’s Analysis and Ruling in State v. Edgar The appellate court in State v. Edgar DUI Washington focused on several key facts: Vehicle Location: Edgar was parked in a five-acre parking lot, not blocking any traffic. Intent: He had intentionally stopped driving to avoid risk due to his intoxication. Safety Factors: Although the engine was running, the vehicle was stationary and posed no immediate hazard. The court concluded that the jury lacked sufficient grounds to reject Edgar’s affirmative defense. The conviction was overturned and dismissed with prejudice, meaning Edgar could not be retried on the same charge. What State v. Edgar Means for DUI Law in Washington The State v. Edgar DUI Washington ruling confirms that courts will uphold the “safely off the roadway” defense when supported by facts. It sends a clear message that: Taking responsible action when intoxicated may be legally defensible Drivers are encouraged to remove themselves from danger rather than continue driving...

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