A NEW DUI LAW ON THE HORIZON?
Since this past spring, the Florida Legislature has been contemplating a new law that would mandate an ignition interlock be placed in the vehicles of all first-time DUI offenders. An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer device that can detect alcohol before the ignition of a vehicle. If alcohol is detected on the breath of the individual, the vehicle will not start. As it stands, it is not mandated by statute on a first offense, unless the offender registers a .15 or above (almost two times the legal limit). Proponents of the bill say it will save lives. They cite studies that say ignition interlocks cut down on recidivism or reoffending. The current Florida DUI laws are very strict and have severe penalties for first-time offenses, including ... • Mandatory conviction (stays on your record forever) • Mandatory probation • Mandatory DUI school • Vehicle immobilization • Community service hours • Minimum fine of $500 These penalties are on top of the penalties imposed by the DMV, which may include the loss of your driver’s license for six months to a year. By Cooking With Ashley 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners. 2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in carrot, raisins, nuts, coconut, and apple. 3. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into the carrot/flour mixture, just until moistened. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. 4. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. Easy Morning Glory Muffins These quick and tasty muffins are a glorious way to start any day! Ingredients • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 1/4 cups white sugar • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 cups shredded carrots • 1/2 cup raisins • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1/2 cup unsweetened, flaked coconut • 1 apple peeled, cored, and shredded • 3 eggs • 1 cup vegetable oil (or use unsweetened applesauce if desired) • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com.) Instructions
the time someone has been convicted of their first DUI, they have already spent hours in court, on probation, in DUI school, serving community service, and more than likely have lost the ability to drive. These factors can put one’s job at risk. As far as the ignition interlock is concerned, the monthly expenses that come with it can be astronomical. Ideally, we should stop imposing more penalties and instead use resources to help those who make poor choices start making better ones. A DUI is a serious crime. There is no excuse for it. But, whether or not increasing the penalties on the first-time offense will significantly drop the recidivism rate is still yet to be determined.
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