DUI Penalty Proposal

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

Just heard about the following which I wholeheartedly support. The report said it is based on current Missouri and Tennessee laws. It also said there are something like 17 other states considering such a law. I hope NC is one of them.

ANDERSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Two Upstate lawmakers have sponsored a bill that, if passed, would require convicted drunk drivers to pay child support if they kill a parent in a crash.

On Tuesday, Representatives Stewart Jones and Joseph White introduced the bill, which would apply to crashes involving vehicles or boats, in the South Carolina House.

If a driver is convicted of reckless vehicular homicide while under the influence or convicted of reckless vehicular homicide with a past DUI conviction, the driver would have to pay child support to the victim’s children who are minors.

The payments would continue until the child reaches 18 and graduates high school.

The bill was referred to the House judiciary committee.

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.

cjm61 · ‎09-07-2014

Well, for all intense and purposes, it sounds like a good idea. But, if a person is convicted of reckless vehicular homicide, they will be put into prison for several years. Could be they are in prison the entire time a child is in their youth. Not sure how that would work since a person can't work and bring in an income while incarcerated. I guess a parent could sue them after release but it doesn't sound so cut and dry.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

Such a penalty could be assessed but collecting it from deadbeats would be counterproductive. They can't even get child support from many parents who should have a vested interest in a child. Also, children of victims of a vehicular homicide would be eligible for Social security, so they'd already be getting a payment.

I don't see this as a great deterrent to DWI.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

I'm not convinced that there is an effective deterrent to DUIs. Drunk people seem to have no problem getting access to an operative vehicle.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@Marp Sounds like some justice. Any statistics on how well the law is working in the states that already have it in place? I've heard so many stories about spouses who are supposed to pay support, but don't that I wonder what percentage of drunk drivers would actually pay.

Anyone already paying? Many fewer SUI's in the states with that law? Either of those results would be persuasive if I had to make a decision.

Pook · ‎03-20-2010

Child support is usually figured in when insurance settlements are paid aren't they?

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

What if the convicted files for bankruptcy?

Is this the type of debt that will follow them to the grave?

KCDiva · ‎03-09-2010

I just wish they would enforce DUI penalties. a lot of times when a person is drunk and kills someone, they have had multiple DUIs. Getting out of a DUI is relatively easy I suppose. I have never had one. I know there are lawyers who specialize in getting the charge reduced or thrown out. Makes me sick.