Why Are Sentences So Light for DUIs That Kill Others?

[Anonymous]

Don’t be so passive. Lobby to get the laws changed. Volunteer for one of those organizations that watches judges to publicize slaps on the wrist. Join MADD.

Don’t just whine into your cell phone. Do something meaningful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is so hypocritical. We have people being robbed, car jacked and shot at, and they don't even get arrested. I'd argue that when you steal someone's car (particularly when they're still in it), you're threatening their life. But I'm sure that kid didn't mean to run him over.

OP here, I’m all for harsher sentences for these crimes as well. I believe in offering the ability to reform to non-violent criminals. But once you use a car, gun, or whatever to put other people’s lives in immediate danger, you have proven you don’t deserve to be a part of our society. You should get a long time out for carjacking and robbery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is so hypocritical. We have people being robbed, car jacked and shot at, and they don't even get arrested. I'd argue that when you steal someone's car (particularly when they're still in it), you're threatening their life. But I'm sure that kid didn't mean to run him over.

OP here, I’m all for harsher sentences for these crimes as well. I believe in offering the ability to reform to non-violent criminals. But once you use a car, gun, or whatever to put other people’s lives in immediate danger, you have proven you don’t deserve to be a part of our society. You should get a long time out for carjacking and robbery.

You’re nuts if you think voluntarily using a gun on someone is the same thing as driving drunk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is so hypocritical. We have people being robbed, car jacked and shot at, and they don't even get arrested. I'd argue that when you steal someone's car (particularly when they're still in it), you're threatening their life. But I'm sure that kid didn't mean to run him over.

OP here, I’m all for harsher sentences for these crimes as well. I believe in offering the ability to reform to non-violent criminals. But once you use a car, gun, or whatever to put other people’s lives in immediate danger, you have proven you don’t deserve to be a part of our society. You should get a long time out for carjacking and robbery.

You’re nuts if you think voluntarily using a gun on someone is the same thing as driving drunk.

The PP referenced car jacking and shootings (those crimes involve cars and guns). That was what my response was to in particular. I said I *also* think those deserve harsh punishment. I didn’t compare shooting to DUI. But I do think a DUI and shooting someone are more comparable than a DUI and shop lifting or low level drug possession. In Virginia your first 2 DUIs are misdemeanors, which is crazy to me. By the second one you should be in felony territory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s right and fair. Sentences in the US are far too long. For someone lacking the intent to take a life, we should have short sentences. We should also have more 10-20 year sentences for intentional murders.

+1000

We are so hateful and cruel in this country. It's sick.

Get back to us if you lose a loved one to drink driving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is so hypocritical. We have people being robbed, car jacked and shot at, and they don't even get arrested. I'd argue that when you steal someone's car (particularly when they're still in it), you're threatening their life. But I'm sure that kid didn't mean to run him over.

OP here, I’m all for harsher sentences for these crimes as well. I believe in offering the ability to reform to non-violent criminals. But once you use a car, gun, or whatever to put other people’s lives in immediate danger, you have proven you don’t deserve to be a part of our society. You should get a long time out for carjacking and robbery.

Sentences serve the public not the victim.

Your plan increases public safety issues.

People in jail for a long time when they belief is they won’t reoffend, creates children raise in poverty who go on to commit crimes. Shorter sentences mitigate that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s right and fair. Sentences in the US are far too long. For someone lacking the intent to take a life, we should have short sentences. We should also have more 10-20 year sentences for intentional murders.

+1000

We are so hateful and cruel in this country. It's sick.

Get back to us if you lose a loved one to drink driving.

Read just mercy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s right and fair. Sentences in the US are far too long. For someone lacking the intent to take a life, we should have short sentences. We should also have more 10-20 year sentences for intentional murders.

+1000

We are so hateful and cruel in this country. It's sick.

Get back to us if you lose a loved one to drink driving.

I realize you're angry, but just remember that it could have been lots of other things. Humans make mistakes, even terrible ones. We don't need to lock someone up for life. .08 can be 2 drinks for someone and they weren't buzzed at all. They could have had a car accident even if they were sober that killed your relative.

Also, alcoholism is a disease. People can recover and be sober for the rest of their lives.

[Anonymous]

I dont think jail is the right answer but driving is a privilege and taking your license away permanently because of your bad decision is warranted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I dont think jail is the right answer but driving is a privilege and taking your license away permanently because of your bad decision is warranted.

Now that is fair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I dont think jail is the right answer but driving is a privilege and taking your license away permanently because of your bad decision is warranted.

Now that is fair.

Agreed. Plus rehab and sober requirements

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suspect DUI is a historically rich white guy crime, or many of them are, so they have to deflate the punishment and “importance” of the crime to fit. I mean, all these poor men who just had an extra small drink at the country club!

I agree. I have a (former) friend who is on her second DUI. Her license was suspended for a year but with Uber and such, I don’t think it’s been a huge deal for her. I have no doubt she will continue to drink and drive. She is well educated (Ivy league) and has a good job and I think her attitude is, “I know what I’m doing, I know what I can handle and even if I do get pulled over, big deal, I can afford the best attorneys.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is so hypocritical. We have people being robbed, car jacked and shot at, and they don't even get arrested. I'd argue that when you steal someone's car (particularly when they're still in it), you're threatening their life. But I'm sure that kid didn't mean to run him over.

OP here, I’m all for harsher sentences for these crimes as well. I believe in offering the ability to reform to non-violent criminals. But once you use a car, gun, or whatever to put other people’s lives in immediate danger, you have proven you don’t deserve to be a part of our society. You should get a long time out for carjacking and robbery.

OP, what's the goal here with longer, harsher prison sentences? Is it deterrence? Reform? Restitution for the victim? Punishment?

Because we have decades of data showing that longer, harsher prison sentences do not deter future crimes, they have a significant negative effect on reform, and they don't bring victims any restitution.

Punishment, sure. But if it's satisfying our lust for punishment while actively working against deterrence, reform, or restitution, then who are these sentences for?

[Anonymous]

Maybe because what’s the point in putting someone in jail for more years. 3.5 years is prison. Not jail. Huge difference. Why ruin two families lives?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s right and fair. Sentences in the US are far too long. For someone lacking the intent to take a life, we should have short sentences. We should also have more 10-20 year sentences for intentional murders.

My stepbrother was murdered at 16 by two kids (ages 14 and 16). The perpetrators got life in prison with the possibility of parole. This was about 30 years ago. For like the last 10 or 15 years, they’ve been eligible for parole several times. My stepmother goes to the hearing EVERY time, has the family write a ton of letters opposing their release, etc. I don’t know how much weight her voice is given, but they are still in prison. Denied parole every time.

I think a lot of us family members are like…eh, let them out and let them try to live a decent life. But no one is going to say that to a mother who lost her son and who is still - 30 years on - absolutely devastated by it.