How much is too much when it comes to punishing drivers caught driving under the influence? People who have lost family members or suffered serious injuries in a Los Angeles DUI would probably argue that the current laws don’t do enough to discourage driving under the influence. But people who have lost their licenses or their jobs because of a DUI offense would probably say they were punished too severely.
A lawmaker in Oklahoma wants to add another penalty for anyone convicted of the offense in his state. He’s introducing a bill that allows a judge to ban DUI drivers from buying or consuming alcohol for a set period of time.
According to the Washington Times, State Senator Patrick Anderson wants convicted DUI drivers to carry a special identification card that would alert alcohol sellers like bartenders and liquor store clerks to the restriction. Any seller that didn’t comply could face fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in prison.
Anderson said he modeled his bill on Alaska’s current law, which permits judges to restrict convicted DUI drivers from alcohol purchases. These drivers must carry a license marked with a “J” and carrying the words “Alcohol Restricted.”
In New Mexico, State Rep. Brian Egolf has introduced a similar bill for the second time. It would ban the sale of alcohol to anyone required to use an ignition interlock system after a DUI conviction.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee, the state Senate defeated a proposed bill to ban alcohol sales to people who have had more than three or four DUI convictions.
How should you respond to your recent and disarming charges? Call a qualified Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer (and ex-prosecutor) with nearly two decades of relevant legal experience.
Did police stop you for driving under the influence in Los Angeles? Contact DUI defense attorney Michael Kraut for assistance at (323) 464-6453 or online. We’re located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, California 90028.