June 15, 2007

California DUI Lawyer / San Diego California Drunk Driving news :


Arizona's House voted to repeal a new requirement forcing first-time DUI offenders to install breath-testing ignition interlocks on their vehicles.

The new DUI interlock requirement, signed into law nearly a month ago, hasn't started.

State law now requires repeat drunken drivers or those convicted of extreme or aggravated DUI to use interlocks when their driving privileges are restored. The devices won't allow a vehicle to start if the person's alcohol content is above a certain limit.
Some lawmakers said the interlock requirement for first-time DUI offenders needs to be removed because the financial penalties and embarrassment of a drunken driving conviction are probably enough to prevent them from making the mistake again. The new law would require the devices for at least a year after drivers get back their driving privileges.
"I don't think there's anybody in this body that wants to go soft on DUI crimes or reward people that are convicted of the crime, but I think many of us believe that we need the proper punishment to fit the crime," said Democratic Rep. Chad Campbell of Phoenix, who voted for dumping the new requirement.
The 54-1 vote by the House sends the bill to the Senate.
The DUI sentencing bill, signed by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, would make Arizona the only state besides New Mexico to have an interlock requirement for first-time DUI offenders. California has their own possibilities for an IID if a first-time DUI.