• 07
  • April
    2011

From arguing that felony DUI laws are not strict enough to lobbying for more rehabilitative DUI first offense laws, it's not uncommon to hear politicians critique or even criticize a state's drunk driving laws.

However, what it truly uncommon is to hear a politician condemn a state's drunk driving laws for "destroying a way of life."

Interestingly, that is exactly what transpired in the state of Montana just last month, as Rep. Alan Hale (R-Basin) went on the defensive about the potential passing of a new drunk driving bill designed to exact more stringent penalties against repeat offenders.

"These DUI laws are not doing our small businesses in our state any good at all. They are destroying them," said Hale in a floor speech before his fellow representatives. "They are destroying a way of life that has been in Montana for years."

The specific DUI law that Hale took issue with - and which ultimately passed by a House vote of 88-12 - amended the "look-back period" for DUI-related offenses from five years to 10 years.

In essence, this will make it easier for law enforcement officials to hold repeat offenders more accountable.

As for the "way of life" that Hale said was threatened by the new DUI law, he was referring to the fact that restricting people from driving would keep them away from their local bars/taverns, which in rural Montana function as important gathering places.

"They are the center of the communities. I'll guarantee you there's only two ways to get there: Either you hitchhike, or you drive, and I promise you they're not going to hitchhike."

Rep. Hale's comments generated headlines across the nation and even drew criticism from some drunk driving advocacy groups.

"[Rep. Hale] needs to do a little more fact checking before he makes statements like that and insults those who have lost loved ones to drunk driving," said Laura Dean-Mooney, President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Remember, mistakes happen. Whether you have been arrested for felony DUI or DUI first offense, it is extremely important to speak with an experienced Colorado attorney if you have been arrested for driving under the influence.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Stay tuned for more information in the next post from our Denver DUI/DWAI blog ...

Related Resources:

Montana Rep. says DUI laws are 'destroying a way of life' (AOL News)