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Are DUI Offenders Getting Off Easy?

5:22 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 |

In light of recent reports of dui offenders with multiple offenses not being punished, I talked to a defense attorney and a former prosecutor about the "system".
I asked how could it happen? Basically, they said the system works. That it isn't 100% effective because nothing that involves human is... but that dui is a crime that's taken seriously and comes with serious penalties. But they also said the system is not set up to try every dui case, so coming to terms without a trial is not discouraged. They said the jails are full and not every offender should be behind bars. I didn't know that every offender in Missouri and Illinois has to go through an alcohol assessment program to determine the extent of the drinking problem, and there are also penalties in place. Still, its hard to understand how someone with more than 6 offenses is still on the road....


3 Comments

Kim said:

I feel that police, lawyers, judges, and even the State of Missouri do not feel this is a high priority issue. Our car was hit almost 3 years ago by a drunk driver and he was not even tested by the police on the scene. I spoke to the man who hit our car and you could smell the beer before you were within 10 feet of him. I told the policemen what I smelled, yet the man didn't even receive a ticket. The part that makes me so mad is this same man is a long time customer of our restaurant and when he comes in to pick up his order he is always drunk. And yes, still driving even though his license is suspended for no insurance. I checked him out on case.net and he has had prior dui convictions.
Everyone makes mistakes, but the people who don't seem to learn their lesson need much more than fines or therapy, they have to be locked up because they will continue to drink and drive. Eventually, they will kill someone. It may seem harsh to some, but think if it was your family member or friend. I'll bet you would see things differently when you are the one going to a funeral.

October 21, 2009 7:36 PM
Anonymous said:

I don't understand. My husband has at least 2 DWI and was convicted both times. I have a hard time understanding why he or anyone else can continue to drive after the first. I am a mother and cant imagine how I would feel if I lost a family member to a drunk driver. I guess some people just think bad things cant happen to them. It sickens me.

October 21, 2009 10:08 PM
Paula said:

DISBAR STATES ATTORNEY ROBERT HAIDA....ST CLAIR COUNTY ILLINOIS STATES ATTORNEY ROBERT HAIDA REFUSES TO JUSTIFY WHY 7 TIME DWI CONVICT IS SET FREE. CONTACT THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY REGISTRATION AND DISCPLINARY COMMISSION AND SUGGEST THE DISBARMENT OF STATES ATTORNEY ROBERT HAIDA. In this matter the appearance of impropriety will lead to a DWI tragedy. DISBAR STATES ATTORNEY HAIDA.

October 21, 2009 10:51 PM

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