DUI Laws Clamp Down on First-Time and Multiple DUI Offenders
How well do you know the laws in your state?
One of the best ways to fight your DUI charge - or even avoid being stopped for a DUI again - is to keep up-to-date on the newest DUI laws in your state. Total Lawyers provides you a one-stop resource for learning how to defend yourself against DUI charges and seek the counsel of a DUI attorney. In this article, we offer some of the latest legislation from around the country.
As always, if you have questions about particular laws or want to familiarize yourself with the DUI law in your state, you should consult with a DUI lawyer for a professional opinion on the matter.
Hawai'i Toughens Ignition Interlock Requirement
While it previously featured one of the nation's least strict sets of DUI penalties, new legislation in Hawai'i has proposed to enforce penalties that are becoming standard across the nation. Of course, we're referring specifically to ignition interlock laws, which require convicted DUI offenders to install this breathalyzer device in their car and pass a breath test before their car will start. The new law would make ignition interlocks mandatory for multiple DUI offenders as well as first-time DUI offenders with extremely high blood alcohol levels (0.16 or higher). Other first-time offenders could be required to install an ignition interlock at the judge's discretion. The bill has now officially passed the chambers of the state legislature and awaits the signature of Governor Linda Lingle.
Washington DUI Penalties Now Include Felony for Fifth Conviction
Repeat DUI offenders are the target of new DUI penalties that have become effective in the state of Washington. Under new laws, DUI offenders with at least 4 prior DUI convictions, or just one conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while DUI, can be charged with a felony. In addition to certain consequences for felony convictions, such as inability to access certain jobs and loss some civil rights, such as voting and ability to purchase firearms, the felony charge would lead to a sentence in the state prison. Previously, DUI jail terms were completed in local jails.
South Carolina Takes Large Step Forward in DUI
After months of debate over appropriate measures to take to improve South Carolina's DUI laws, Governor Mark Sanford recently signed into law a bill that creates tougher penalties at each level of offense. The new laws provide that first-time offenders are face up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine, while second-time offenders face up to three years, third-time offenders up to five years, and a mandatory seven years for a fourth-time offender. The central part of the bill, and the subject of great debate in both houses of the state legislature, was the provision doubling the current driver's license suspension for refusal of a breath test to a mandatory six months. The bill also makes defense of a DUI charge more difficult, as it no longer requires officers to read Miranda rights twice to DUI suspects.
Of course, these are just a few of the many changes being made all the time to DUI laws across the country. Return to Total Lawyers for more in the future on updated DUI laws that could have a direct impact on you!