Recent Campaign Targets Repeat DWI Offenders

A new campaign in North Carolina recently took place with the goal of reducing drunk driving.

2013-01-18

January 18, 2013 (Press-News.org) Recent campaign targets repeat DWI offenders

A new campaign in North Carolina recently took place with the goal of reducing drunk driving. The North Carolina Department of Transportation's "Booze It & Lose It" campaign ran through January 2 and attempted to decrease drunk driving throughout the state.

Over 10,000 additional checkpoints and patrols were conducted during the campaign in 2011. Additionally, more than 3,600 North Carolina drivers were charged with driving while impaired.

Alcohol-related crash statistics in North Carolina

Alcohol-related crashes typically increase during the holiday season. North Carolina reported 950 crashes during the holidays in 2011. These accidents resulted in 44 deaths and 702 injuries.

Although many states' rates are decreasing, North Carolina's accident fatality rate remains steady. According to statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, North Carolina ranks 22nd out of all 50 states in terms of alcohol-related deaths. Specifically, MADD reports 388 alcohol related deaths in both May 2010 and 2011, showing no decrease in numbers.

Although these numbers are a cause for concern, drunk drivers in North Carolina already face tougher penalties under current law. A DWI charge results in devastating consequences, and additional campaigns such as Booze It & Lose It may expose drivers to heightened punishments.

Laura's Law delivers harsh penalties to drunk drivers

Laura's Law, which took effect in December 2011, provides stricter sentences for those convicted of multiple DWIs. The law is named after a 17-year-old girl killed by a repeat drunk driver in 2010. Its focus is primarily on third-time offenders. Potential punishments are significantly increased under Laura's Law.

Judges may now impose a fine of up to $10,000 for a repeat DWI under this law. The previous maximum was only $4,000. Additionally, a one to three-year prison sentence without parole is now mandatory. Previous sentences ranged from 30 days in jail to two years in prison.

Modifications to Laura's Law in 2012 revised Continuous Alcohol Monitoring requirements. A CAM device is an ankle bracelet worn at all times that administers perspiration tests 48 times per day. Its purpose is to measure alcohol intake. CAM bracelets are placed on high-risk offenders and even parents who are experiencing alcohol-related issues and wish to visit their children.

The new requirements broadened the types of cases under which a CAM bracelet may be imposed and also lengthened the required time periods for wearing the bracelet. A regional manager from the company who manufactures CAM bracelets says the revisions are necessary to protect residents from high-risk drivers and to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Offenders are required to cover all or most of the cost for a CAM bracelet themselves, which results in an additional burden.

An individual charged with a DWI offense can benefit from an experienced DWI defense attorney. The attorney can provide a strategic defense as well as assist with potentially reducing or eliminating the charge.

Article provided by The Law Office of Matthew J. Davenport, P.A.
Visit us at http://www.mattdavenportlaw.com

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