Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Calhoun Stiffens Drunk Driving Legislation


Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, R-Blooming Grove, announced today she has introduced legislation (A.9179) in the Assembly that would increase penalties for driving under the influence with a passenger who is developmentally disabled.

"Nine times out of 10, the person who is driving is in an employment situation and the people who are driving with them may not have the opportunity to [speak out]," said Calhoun. "We think this is an appropriate way to discourage the person [driving] to know they are going to get in trouble."

The consequences under the amended law would punish first time offenders with a fine between $250 and $500 including a possible 48 hour jail sentence; second time offers with a fine between $500 and $1,000 and 10 days in jail, and for each following offense after that, a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 and the possibility of a 30 to 90 day jail sentence would be given.

Calhoun said a constituent brought this legislation to her attention. "We're hoping to work hard to try and get it passed this year."

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