Sep. 14, 2016
HARRISBURG- Today, state Rep. Keith J. Greiner, CPA, (R-Upper Leacock) announced the introduction of legislation to toughen penalties for repeat driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders.
House Bill 2318 would increase the grading of repeat DUI offenses to felonies under certain conditions, with heightened fines and longer prison sentences. Currently under state law, no matter how many times an individual has been convicted of DUI the charges are treated as no higher than a first-degree misdemeanor. This legislation would align Pennsylvania with the overwhelming majority of states in grading repeat-DUI offenses as felonies—only Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine and Colorado do not have automatic felony grading.
“Nearly every day you can read in the paper about someone who has been arrested for a third, fourth or fifth DUI charge. These reckless and thoughtless crimes need to be treated as the serious offenses they are. The public is put at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel impaired by alcohol or drugs,” said Greiner.
“I ask my colleagues in the General Assembly to join me in sending a strong message to the people of the Commonwealth—if you make a habit of driving under the influence and endangering the lives of countless innocent civilians, you will pay the price. There is no excuse for driving under the influence and state law should reflect the serious nature of these crimes by repeat offenders.”
House Bill 2318 was developed with the assistance of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. The legislation will keep intact the current law for a first- or second-time offender. A third offense within a lifetime will be treated the same as a third offense within 10 years is today. However, a third offense committed within 10 years of other DUI offenses, as well as any fourth or subsequent offense during a person’s lifetime will be upgraded to a third-degree felony.
The legislation was referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration.
Representative Keith J. Greiner, CPA
43rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Eric Reath
717.464.5285
ereath@pahousegop.com
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