N.C. legislators approve overhaul for DWI laws
Monday, July 31st, 2006
By Chris Fitzsimon
Bill would cut judges’ latitude in cases where driver over alcohol limit
MARK JOHNSON
mjohnson@charlotteobserver.com
RALEIGH - State lawmakers approved an overhaul of the state’s DWI laws Wednesday that included limiting judges’ latitude in deciding cases.
The bill virtually guarantees that drivers who register a 0.08 blood alcohol content — the legal threshold for intoxication — on an Intoxilyzer test will be found guilty, regardless of whether they show signs of impairment.
It also creates new crimes related to driving while impaired, imposes tougher penalties, creates a paper trail for keg purchases and makes it illegal for anyone younger than 21 to consume alcohol. Current law only forbids possessing alcohol.
"It will save lives in North Carolina," said Rep. Joe Hackney, an Orange County Democrat who led efforts to pass the bill in the House.
Neither House members nor senators engaged in much discussion or debate before passing the legislation 109-0 in the House and 47-1 in the Senate. (more…)
Last 5 posts in Daily News
- Reduce, not increase, tuition costs - December 5th, 2008
- Legislators studying issue of involuntary annexation - December 5th, 2008
- More Easley Cabinet members won't return - December 5th, 2008
- Google turns down some of NC incentives - December 5th, 2008
- N.C. foreclosure plan to be national model - December 5th, 2008
Email This Post
Print This Post
