A bill recently introduced into the Senate would require harsher penalties for first-time DWI offenders. Specifically, the bill would make it mandatory for a person convicted of drunk driving to spend at least 48 hours in jail. The jail time could not be suspended by a judge. At present, the penalty for a first-time DWI is 10 days in jail, unless a judge suspends the sentence.
According to Senator Jonathan Perry, who introduced the bill, the goal is to protect others drivers on the roadway, particularly the children. The bill has reportedly been approved by a Senate committee, and now moves on to the Senate floor to be debated.
