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Thursday, June 18, 2015

The strictest and most lenient states for DUI

Every day, almost 30 people in the U.S. die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, yet state laws still vary dramatically when it comes to dealing with this issue.

Personal finance site WalletHub analyzed the enforcement rules in each of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia across 15 key metrics, from minimum jail sentences to ignition interlock device requirements — a breath alcohol measuring device installed on a car’s dashboard — that drastically reduce repeat arrests of those previously convicted of driving under the influence, or getting a DUI. For instance, there is no minimum jail sentence for a first-time offender in more than half of U.S. states.

Arizona was the strictest state for DUIs and has the longest minimum jail term (10 days) for first-time offenders, a vehicle impound and a 90-day minimum jail time for a second offense. A DUI is an automatic felony with a third offense and an ignition interlock device is mandatory after one DUI conviction. Arizona was followed by Alaska, Connecticut, West Virginia, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, Virginia as the strictest states on the list.

South Dakota, the least strict out of all 50 states, has no minimum sentence for either a first or second DUI. Although a third DUI is considered a felony, there is no administrative license suspension, no vehicle impound, no administrative license suspension and no mandatory ignition interlock device required. The other lenient regions included D.C., Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Maryland, Montana, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

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9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have a cousin serving a life sentence in North Carolina for his third DUI. All were considered felonies. Three strike rule or some crap. Best place for him and anyone that continues to drive drunk. As far as I'm concerned it should be attempted murder for the second conviction and up. You know your drinking and may kill someone. You've been through it once. See ya!

Anonymous said...

We need to execute drunk driver like they do in Turkey. If you're going out drunk driving, then you are a potential killer, therefore you die if you cause and accident.

Anonymous said...

You don't have to kill them. Just pluck their eyes out.

Anonymous said...

England has the right idea, get caught driving under the influence and your license is gone for the rest of your life.
The English love to drink but none of them dares drive after drinking.

Anonymous said...

So wrong. Just the opposite.

Anonymous said...

I'll drink to that.

Anonymous said...

It certainly didn't shock me about MD, I thought when o'taxie was on the throne he would have made sure to get money for fines and fees.

Anonymous said...

If I eat a large meal and have 3 drinks I'm over the legal limit. I'm 6'2 265. I won't get so much as a buzz of 3 beers... You want my eyes removed?? What is wrong with you.

Anonymous said...

7:48 I want you killed if you kill my wife, daughter, son, you deserve to die for what you did! Plucking out your eyes would be the least of your problems you murderer!