Should the Judicial System go after first time DWI or the Chronic DWI?

@bobmnu (8157)
United States
September 14, 2010 12:05pm CST
There was a report this morning that the police checkpoint for DWI shows that 1 in 7 Minnesota drivers are driving under the influence. In 2006 60% of the drivers ticketed were for first time offenders. First time offenders are fined $1,000 and pay over $600.00 to have your license reinstated plus you pay for an AODA assessment and your insurance costs go up. However national statics show that over 50% of the Alcohol related accidents are caused by repeat offenders. The state has reworked the laws to increase the fines but it seems that every few weeks you hear of an accident caused by a person who has multiple DWI arrests but most were plea Bargained down and the person is allowed to continue to drive. Do you think penalties for repeat offenders should be tougher?
2 responses
Adoniah
@Adoniah (7512)
• United States
14 Sep 10
They should go after both. Both of them are potential killers...However, so are the bartenders. A bartender that is sure that they are sending a drunk out to drive home should do everything they can to send that drunk home in a cab. There are all kinds of groups around that help drunks get home safe. There is no excuse for a drunk to drive and there is no such thing as a "little bit drunk". I used to be the designated driver for the Marina that I lived in. I know. Shalom~Adoniah
bobmnu
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
14 Sep 10
Most bartenders do refuse to serve drunks but it is often their friends who keep buying the drinks. My problem with blaming the bartender is that you make the drunk the victim and they don't have to take responsibility for their actions because it is the bartender that did not stop me.
Destiny007
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
15 Sep 10
Yes, the penalties for repeat offenders should be much tougher. There comes a point in my state where repeat offenders lose their license for 10 years... and I believe that they should lose it for life. There is no excuse for drinking and driving.