What is a man with five DUIs on his record doing driving on the road? This is the question that is haunting loved ones and the Delaware County community. A fatal accident occurred earlier this year when the offender crashed his vehicle into his 45-year-old victim. Many people are questioning the current system and casting serious doubts on its ability to serve and protect the community.
Unfortunately, a tragedy like this has caused the spotlight to shine on the mistakes made by both the offender and the justice system. The 30-year-old offender had broken the conditions of his previous DUI convictions multiple times. He had a proven track record of breaking the law and getting away with it. Finally, after the death of the victim, he is facing a seven-year minimum sentence for repeated DUIs.
DUI Laws in Delaware
DUIs are listed for five years on a person’s driving record. The offender is also subjected to many of the following consequences:
- High court costs
- Multiple fines
- Suspended license
- Jail time
- Ignition interlock device
- Felony charges
The court system varies the degree of consequences laid out for an offender based on the amount of DUIs received. It is important that people seek legal counsel when facing DUI charges. A lawyer is familiar with how the law works and what to expect after being charged with a traffic offense. Aggressive DUI defense can help a person avoid huge fines and jailtime.
However, it is important that anyone with a drinking problem seek to get help before another tragedy like this one occurs. Taking personal responsibility for one’s actions is a mark of maturity. And safer roads start with maturity and self-control.