Washington Open Container Lawyer
Have you been charged with an Open Container? Let us help you today!
In Washington, it is against the law to have an open container of alcohol in your vehicle. An open container charge can come with fines and a spot on your record. Do not face these charges alone; let Weber law help you today!
Washington Open Container Charges and Penalties
What Constitutes an Open Container?
Any person who has in his or her possession, while in a motor vehicle and upon a highway, a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage, and if the container has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents partially removed, and is in a utility compartment, or glove compartment, or any area deemed to be within the area occupied by the driver and passengers, is guilty of having an open container.
If the bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage is opened, or a seal broken, or the contents partially removed, but is contained in the trunk of the vehicle, then the person cannot be charged with an open container.
Open container is different from driving under the influence, as the driver is not under the influence at the time of the stop, but just has possession of the alcohol.
What is the Punishment?
An open container in a motor vehicle is a traffic infraction.
A traffic infraction is punishable by a fine up to $250.00.
While the penalty might seem small, any criminal charge can be detrimental to your life, your record, and your job. It is possible to get charges reduced or removed, but it requires legal counsel.
Even as a Defendant of a Crime, you still have Rights! Make sure yours were not violated!
Even as an individual facing criminal charges, you have rights. It is important to know those rights and make sure that they were not violated in any way when you were arrested or charged. Without extensive knowledge of your rights when it comes to police searches, Miranda rights, and your rights when it comes to arrest, it is extremely difficult to get a dismissal or reduction of your charges. Do not try and fight these charges on your own, Weber Law is ready to help you today.
Contact Weber Law immediately if you’ve been arrested on an open container charge. We offer a free confidential case evaluation – serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.
"He did everything he could to solve my case. There was no moment where I felt like I was alone. He went to his full extent to help me lower my charges. Great lawyer.”
What should you do if you have been charged with an Open Container, and how can Weber Law help?
If you have been cited with an open container in a motor vehicle in the State of Washington, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount, making sure the charge doesn’t go on your record, or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you every step of the way. By using defenses that have been successful in the past, for example, not knowing what you were in possession of, or the container being found during an illegal search, Weber Law will create a strong defense for you. At Weber Law, we are experienced in defending these charges, winning these cases, and getting you back to everyday life. It is always a good idea to seek legal advice when you have had a run in with the law, no matter how little the charge may seem; there may be information you do not know about. If you or anyone you know has been cited with an open container in a motor vehicle in the State of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation.
WA ST § 46.61.519, Alcoholic beverages – Drinking or open container in vehicle on highway – Exceptions
WA ST § 9A.20.021, Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after
A Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
Weber Law will aggressively fight for your rights. Contact us today!
We believe that justice is an idea that can triumph only when living people make it so. We are dedicated to justice. We wish to run a business that is at once profitable while allowing us to promote the rights of our fellow community members. We will stand for the poor when they are in need and their cause is just. We will work for any responsible business. We will represent all races, creeds, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
Office Address:
810 3rd Avenue Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98104