States with Felony DUI Laws

“Forty-five states have felony DUI laws for convictions. The District of Columbia and the following states do not: Colorado, Maryland, Maine, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D) campaigns against the irresponsible action of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while drunk. Pennsylvania recently introduced legislation that makes it illegal to text while driving. One wonders why driving while under the influence is not treated similarly.

“DUI Felony laws refer to laws that make DUI/DWI a felony offense based on the number of prior convictions. This document explores DUI Felony laws pertaining to those who do not kill or injure a person in a drunk driving related conviction.”

April 21 is the National Day for Parents to talk with their kids about alcohol.

“PennDOT maintains a driving record for every licensed driver in Pennsylvania. Points are added to a driving record when a driver is found guilty of certain driving (moving) violations. The purpose of the point system is to help to improve driving habits and to ensure safe driving. PennDOT begins to take corrective action when a driving record reaches 6 or more points. This document explains what is supposed to happen when a driving record reaches 6 or more points.

And it is curious that Pennsylvania’s law often does not consider a DUI as serious an infraction as “Leaving Scene of Accident — Unattended Vehicle or Property (Section 3745).” For a closer look at the definitions and penalties for Pennsylvania’s Traffic Related Laws and Offenses, this attorney group’s Website is a good one.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: In today’s York Daily Record, this is exactly what happened when, “A Maryland man was charged with DUI and other traffic charges after he fled the scene of a crash and abandoned his vehicle, according to state police. Christopher J. Cherry, 22, of Belcamp, Md., was driving his 2011 Chevrolet Impala north on Interstate 83 in York Township on April 1 when he tried to pass a vehicle in front of him and struck the rear of the car, police said.”]