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Controversial DUI Laws in Delaware

Delaware lawmakers took aggressive steps to curb driving under the influence in the state. Add this together with other controversial methods use by Delaware law enforcement agencies and you can quickly tell that the state is turning up the heat on DUI.

  
 

More articles on DUI Laws in Delaware

 
  

Addictive Cycle

Drivers that repeatedly drink and drive usually are addicted to alcohol and it takes lots of effort for them to stop drinking. In an attempt at putting a halt to the abusive cycle of drunken driving, legislators around the country have tried lowering legal limits, and harsher punishments. Delaware has joined this list of states.

Penalties Increase For Drunk Driving In Delaware.

Last year lawmakers toughed its stance on DUI now, persons charged with driving under the influence in Delaware will be looking at double the fines, and multiple offenders may be penalized with jail time of up to 15 years.

State Leader Improve Of Increases

The Governor of the state put his signature of news laws take increase monetary penalties for those convicted for the first time of driving under the influence in Delaware from $230 to $500, and for multiple convictions up to $15,000 in fines. The possible jail time for multiple convictions was increased, to up to15 years. Those found with a BAC(blood alcohol content) of over .15% first timers and multiple offenders will have their driver’s licenses taken away for 180 days and be forced to put an IID(ignition interlock device) in their automobiles.

Large Group Of DUI Repeat Offenders In The State

Just about 7000 people are arrested for drinking and driving in the state yearly. Just over 1/3 are multiple offenders.

More DUI Laws On The Way

The author of the legislation believes that the increase in penalties will contribute to breaking the cycle of drinking and driving in the state by allowing for incarceration time for multiple offenders and keeping them off the streets. The state is also pushing for more legislation that would force IIDs on anyone convicted in Delaware of driving under the influence.

Delaware DUI Sobriety Check Points

Another controversial push in Delaware is the increase in the use of sobriety check points. This is a weapon used by police in the state to find drunk drivers.

It works like this:

  • First you drive into the check point.
  • Then a law enforcement officer will check your inspection, plates, registration, license, and insurance.
  • If these thing are not up to date will get a ticket.
  • After that you will be questioned about your destination and were you are coming from.
  • Then the officer will ask you if you have been drinking.
  • If the officer believes you have been drinking you will be asked to take a FST(Field Sobriety Tests).
  • Based on the results of the FST you may be ask to give a sample for a BAC test.

As you can see Delaware has increased its effort to curb the scourge of DUI in the state so take a bit of advice and do not drink and drive in this state.