Owen H. Johnson's posts related to Drunk Driving

Senator Owen H. Johnson cosponsored legislation that imposes mandatory jail time for individuals who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol after having been previously convicted of such a crime. The bill (S.2597) passed the New York State Senate unanimously and is intended to increase the penalties for multiple DWI offenders.“Repeat DWI offenders are going to jail,” Senator Johnson said.  “ I have zero tolerance for those who repeatedly choose to put innocent lives at risk on our highways.  Our current DWI laws are weak, sometimes imposing a fine or allowing for community service.  Mandatory jail time would make DWI offenders think twice before driving drunk again.” Under the measure:

The State Senate this week sent a loud and clear message that New York State must have zero tolerance when it comes to drunk, impaired or reckless driving.    In a strong showing of bi-partisan cooperation, we overwhelmingly approved four separate measures designed to save lives, punish offenders and keep dangerous drivers off the streets. ·    The first bill, which seeks to combat wrong way and reckless drivers, would establish a new class E felony crime of aggravated reckless driving. The new crime would be punishable by a sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

The New York State Senate today passed “Tiffany’s Law” (S.2860A), sponsored by Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-C-I, Syracuse). The bill would require all prior convictions of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, whether it be an automobile (DWI), snowmobile (SWI), or all-terrain vehicle, be considered during sentencing of a subsequent Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) conviction. In turn, any person convicted of BWI would have that charge considered during any subsequent DWI, SWI or ATV offense.