House Cracks Down On Intoxicated Drivers

Tue., March 18, 1997

Compiled From Wire Services

The House passed legislation Monday to charge people with an additional crime if they are caught driving under the influence with children in the vehicle.

Currently, an intoxicated driver can be charged only with driving under the influence (DUI). If this bill is signed into law by the governor, anyone over age 18 who is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and has children in his or her vehicle would be charged with an additional misdemeanor or felony.

A misdemeanor charge would involve a drunken driver with children as passengers. A felony charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, would be filed against drivers responsible for the injury or death of a child in an alcohol- or drug-related accident.

The bill was passed by the House unanimously and will be on the governor’s desk later this week.

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House Cracks Down On Intoxicated Drivers

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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