House Republican Press Release

January 17, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 REP. ROWE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN PENALTIES FOR REPEAT DRUNK DRIVERS

HARTFORD- State Representative T.R. Rowe, R-Trumbull, has introduced legislation that would increase penalties for people convicted of multiple driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. House Bill 5430, An Act Increasing The Penalties For Driving Under The Influence For Repeat Offenders, has been submitted to the Legislature’s Transportation Committee.

Currently, a third conviction for driving under the influence carries a maximum penalty of 3 years, one of which can not be suspended. Under Rep. Rowe’s proposed bill, a third conviction would carry a maximum 10-year jail sentence, five of which could not be suspended, and the current maximum fine would be doubled from $8,000 to $16,000. It would also continue the current policy of revoking that person’s driver's license for life.

“We have far too many people behind the wheel who have been convicted of DUI offenses over and over again and we need to take the problem much more seriously,” said Rep. Rowe. “This bill would take action against those who pose the greatest risk on our roadways.”

State law makes operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs a criminal offense.  This offense may be prosecuted with or without any direct evidence of a person's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).  The determining factor is whether a person's ability to drive has been impaired.