Drunk drivers with children in vehicle to pay extra fine, to incur sanctions

According to an announcement out of Olympia, driving drunk with a child in the car will soon cost you more. Much more:
A new law signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire requires courts to impose an additional $1,000 to $5,000 fine for first-time DUI offenders if a child under age 16 is in the vehicle at the time of the offense-with stiffer penalties for repeat offenders.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman  (D-Kirkland), also triples the amount of time an alcohol-detecting ignition-interlock device must be on the offenders’ vehicles, from 60 days to six months. Plus, the offender is automatically reported to Child Protective Services.
If the offender is convicted of felony DUI, vehicular assault DUI, or vehicular homicide, the law is even tougher, adding a year in prison for each child in the vehicle at the time of the crime.
“Driving under the influence is unacceptable. Driving under the influence with a child in the car is outrageous,” said Goodman. View full post on “drunk” News