Lawmakers at the Pennsylvania Senate have once again approved legislation that would make it possible for first time offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to have ignition interlock systems installed on their vehicles.
The next step will be for the bill to go on to the Pennsylvania House to be considered for passage.
Current state legislation mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices on those who are convicted of two or more DUI offenses within a ten year period. Philadelphia Republican, John Rafferty, is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and is the sponsor of the bill.
Rafferty says that the devices are needed since simply suspending a license is not an adequate way to stem the problem. He contends that, “50 to 70-percent of drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license.” S Rafferty cited that in the states of Arizona, Oregon and New Mexico, when a first time offense interlock installation legislation was mandated, those states have reduced the number of DUI deaths cut by as much as 33-percent.
This is the second time that it has been sent to the House for approval.
If you get by the wheel while under the influence of alcohol in the State of Pennsylvania, you are breaking the law. For holders of a standard drivers’ license, they should never be behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 percent.
But even when being charged with such criminal behavior, someone who has been arrested and charged with DUI or DWI in the state of Pennsylvania can sometimes fight those charges.
At the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis, we focus our practice on the defense of drunken driving cases. Attorney Steven E. Kellis has more than 20 years of experience, as both a prosecutor and a defender of DUI clients, so he understands the law.
If you or a loved one has been accused of an alcohol related accident, no matter how serious the situation may seems, the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis are here for you and we are on your side. Call today to make an appointment with an attorney who can make a real difference in your defense. You can also use the contact form here on our website. We will be here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.