Should Drunk Drivers be Penalized More Harshly?

Like any other criminal charge, an individual who is charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) is deemed innocent until proven guilty. Evidence presented by the police officer on the case and the chemical test results make it a difficult rap to beat.

Stiffer penalties should be imposed for DUI offenders. Many drivers tend to do the same thing again in the future, because of the very lax system in imposing penalties and ensuring compliance for whoever drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The most common penalties are fines and license suspension, which does not seem to count as sufficient deterrent.

Punishment for Offenders

All states treat first-time DUI as a misdemeanour, punishable by 90 days suspension and fines. A first offense may be excusable due to ignorance.  A second offense may need a bigger shock.

Multiple or aggravated counts of DUI or DWI are considered felonies, which should have graver implications. There is much greater chance of causing injuries or fatalities on the road, and there needs to be greater emphasis that being able to drive is not a right – it is a privilege and a responsibility.

When people are penalized yet rates of drunk driving do not increase, then there should be a serious call for stricter penalties and awareness about what ignoring the warnings about drunk driving will mean.

A driver on his third or fourth offense can have his license permanently revoked or experience jail time, but is this enough if before that an innocent person got killed because of someone’s irresponsibility? Lawmakers and law enforcement officials have the responsibility to reduce harm to citizens, not just to find and punish offenders.

Alternative Methods

Mandatory alcohol education and assessment, ignition interlocks, and other small ‘inconveniences’ have recently shown to reduce DWI just through the reminder that drivers previously convicted should not do it again.

Day after day, new cases of DUI and DWI charges continue piling up at the desks of a New York DWI Lawyer. And worse, the offenders are getting younger and younger.

Everyone should know that responsibility and discipline is essential when owning a car. It isn’t really that difficult to follow certain policies, so why not just stay home or let someone else drive to let yourself get sober first? This way, you’ll get to drive home safely, without the risk of acquiring New York DWI Charges and severe penalties. Comparing to the inconvenience of calling for a taxi to incurring hundreds or thousands of dollars in penalties, awareness and avoidance seems like such a small measure.

If you’re a first-time offender and resolved not to do this again, it’s best for you to contact a New York DWI Lawyer who can defend you from New York DWI Charges and strongly minimize penalties.