Arrested For Drunk Driving.....10 Times?!

Wisconsin just passed a new law concerning driving under the influence. That should be a good thing, right? I suppose the fact that they upped the consequences if you're caught drinking and driving can be considered a good thing, but let me elaborate.

If you're arrested for driving under the influence 7 to 9 times, you could face up to a maximum of 5 1/2 years in prison. If you're caught driving under the influence 10 or more times, you face a maximum of 7 1/2 years in prison. That says Maximum, not minimum. Now, I'm not sure what the penalties are for getting caught 1 to 7 times, but apparently it's not enough to deter people from drinking and driving.

I'm a big stickler against drinking and driving. There is no excuse for it, and I think these new laws are just ridiculous. No one should be allowed to even reach a seventh drunk driving conviction, much less a tenth one!

The other problem with this new law is that you and I both know that just because someone is convicted of DUI doesn't mean they will serve the maximum sentence. Far from it. We'll be lucky if they even serve a quarter of the sentence. This law is telling people it's alright to drink and drive, once, twice, even six times before anything serious will happen to you.

How is that these people can go out there and drink themselves silly, get behind the wheel of a car, endanger their lives and the lives of others, and get away with it six times before any kind of serious reprimand is handed down? People who are convicted of attempted murder receive harsher sentences than that. It's a form of attempted homicide, as far as I'm concerned.

I just can't believe that this problem isn't taken more seriously. Especially in Wisconsin, a state known for its high alcohol consumption. It's a part of our everyday lives. It's what Wisconsinites do best.

I have nothing against drinking. I engage in a glass of wine or a beer on occasion myself. What I cannot condone is getting behind the wheel after drinking. There is no excuse!