Bill aims to crackdown on repeat DUI offenders

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Representative Jim DuPlessis (R-Elizabethtown) has pre-filed a bill that will eliminate the loop hole of people who receive multiple “first” offense penalties.  Bill BR84 requires that a person can only be sentenced with a “first” offense once in their lifetime.

The current law which has four increasing penalty phases allows for repeat offenders to go back to the lesser penalty first phase once they have passed a 5 year look back period.  “The Brianna Taylor bill, which I highly support, will help because it increases the look back, however, it does not eliminate the loophole,” says DuPlesses, adding, “Many repeat offenders know that once their look back time is up they are now just looking at a slap on the wrist for their next DUI so they go ahead and get behind the wheel after being irresponsible.  This bill eliminates the slap on the wrist that many repeat offenders get.”

DuPlessis worked on the bill with the local County attorney as well as drug and alcohol counselors.  DuPlessis says that “people who are drinking must understand to do it responsibly or there will be severe consequences.  No longer will repeat DUI offenders receive just a slap on the wrist.  Too many Kentuckians have suffered due to their negligence however if I am able to get this bill passed they will be given the penalties they deserve.”