Most residents of the state of Minnesota are likely aware that drunk driving convictions can lead to serious penalties. As is the case with virtually every law, those pertaining to DWI can, and do, change. Last summer a new law concerning fatal drunk driving crashes was passed. The change makes the consequences for a conviction, under some circumstances, harsher than they previously were.
The Catalyst For The Change In Law
Drake’s Law came about after the death of a five month old named Drake, following a drunk driving accident. The blood alcohol content of the driver of the vehicle that struck the SUV, in which the baby was a passenger, was over four times the legal limit at the time of the crash. That driver had been arrested for drunk driving several years before.
How The Law Has Changed
Following the accident, charged with vehicular homicide, the driver pled guilty. As a result of the plea he received a sentence of four years. Under the new law, anyone who has a previous drunk driving conviction within a decade of causing a death in a drunk driving accident could receive a significantly heavier sentence. The maximum sentence increased to 15 years.
An arrest for DWI can happen to anyone who decides to drive after consuming too much alcohol. Regardless of the number of times someone has been accused of drunk driving it is important to take steps to build a strong defense. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can help ensure that relevant changes to laws are taken into consideration.