Harsher Drunk Driving Penalties Time Offenders Penalties

Harsher Drunk Driving Penalties Time Offenders

Penalties given to people who drive under influence vary from one country to another. First time offenders are expected to receive lean sentences but should lose their license for some time. Such offenders are likely to be forced to attend classes on alcohol education and must be coerced to pay fines. Any first time offender should lose, his/her auto insurance. Another alternative could be ignition interlock procedures, and throughout the country, all first time offenders will be forced to install the device in their cars after they are convicted. It is obvious that subsequent offenders will be given serious punishments. Because of the variations in state laws, when driving under the influence is held as a felony, first time offenders should face punishments such as imprisonment for an extra period (Neeley, James & Jason, 42).

The offense of driving under the influence should not be punished according to whether an individual is a first time offender or not. Any person who engages in DUI should face strict punishments regardless of whether he/she has previous records of DUI. All the states should adopt laws regarding devices of ignition interlock. Judges across the country should engage these devices DUI first time offenders. Previously judges did not impose harsh punishments such as devices of ignition interlock. This is because they lacked adequate research to convince them that the devices were effective (Byrnes 38). However, some of the judges claim that these devices are extremely harsh punishments for DUI first time offenders. On the contrary, they argue that they are too lean punishments for repeat offenders. Another issue revolves on costs. First time DUI offenders must fund all the fees related to the devices (Scheb and John 31).

Another issue that crops up is cost. All the fees that come with the device are a responsibility of DUI offender. The case can only be different if the offender is in any way indigent. Although the cost is below $3.00 per day, this is very low. Otherwise, the DUI offender can decide to account for it in terms of legal fees, fines, and classes for alcohol education (Barron's Educational Series 16). The fact is that ignition interlock devices are human friendly forms of punishment for the first time DUI offenders. The embarrassment associated with having to deal with the devices set up in a person's car is not humiliating enough. Similarly, repeat offenders will be more likely to keep off the streets ensuring safety of other people. This results into two-fold benefits. DUI offenders will have must follow the laws or face the consequences. In addition, it will not be possible for offenders to drive while under the influence with the installed device (Robin 86).

Harsh punishments are less and not cost-prohibitive enough compared to guilty pleas. Further, GUI offenders who are kept out of jail imply that are not likely to suffer because of being convicted as DUI offender. Families can still engage in activities such as a church and games. DUI offenders will still provide for their families as they safely drive to and from work. The best answer would be harsher punishments for the first time DUI offenders. However, when first time DUI offenders are released from jail, ignition interlock devices should be fitted in their cars. This will ensure the offender goes back to the society in the safest manner (Neeley, James, & Jason 73).

To have a successful end to the problem of impaired driving, the justice system should combine all legal measures without measures of countering non-criminals. The country must go to this extent in order to end the driving menace. Many people have not realized that driving under the influence of alcohol is a big problem. The country should take more action than ever to cut down the number of accidents and deaths on the roads.