WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-DUI laws may soon get tougher

DUI laws may soon get tougher

By Robyn McGlohn
WAFF 48 News Reporter

DUI laws will soon be getting tougher even for first time offenders.

The state's Attorney General is pushing for the change this legislative season.

WAFF 48 Investigator Robyn McGlohn has the story.

Whether it's a first time offender or 6th time offender the laws against drunk drivers might soon be getting stricter.

"Do you we have tough laws for drunk drivers, currently? We have tough laws for DUI offenders, but it could be tougher," says Alabama State Trooper Curtis Summerville.

Right now the law says repeat drunk driving offenses can't be counted as a felony, no matter how many, unless at least four convictions have occurred within five years.

It's a loophole drunk drivers seem to drive straight through.

"The average DUI driver does it about 80 times a year without being detected," says Summerville.

He says they do that because there's not an inherit risk of getting caught.

But with the new law, a first time offender could face jail time or 30 days of community service.

A second time offender could face at least five days to a year in jail or 60 days community service.

For third time offenders, 60 days or more in jail and a suspended license for three years.

For the worst offenders, those with more than four convictions, at least three months in jail and driving privileges revoked for five years.

One other law they're considering is the use of ignition interlock, a device that would require habitual drunk drivers to give a breathalyzer test before turning on the ignition in their car.

To contact Robyn, email her at rmcglohn@waff.com.