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Cali Living by CBHine

Cali Living by CBHine - Drinking and Driving

Posted Thursday, February 28, 2008, at 6:00 PM

Ken Shocknet from CBS2 in LA recently wrote the following:

"So there's this guy in Ohio who's this close to pulling into a three-way tie for first as the state's worst drunk drivers. He has 19 convictions; the other two have 20. But now, it looks like Stephen Wolf is going to have to wait a while, because the judge has just given him eight years in prison, for his latest incident of 'glug glug glug, vroom vroom vroom.'

Everybody's so happy 'the system works,' and the judge 'really means business.' Well, before we get all teary-eyed at the swift hand of justice, let's ask ourselves a couple of questions. What were the judges thinking in the sentencing process during Wolf's previous 18 convictions? And you know what? Even though I have zero-tolerance for DUI drivers, I'll throw in the first 3-- heck, make it 4-- convictions. But what were the judges doing, on convictions 5 through 18?

Oooh, look: it says here, this time, Judge Noah Powers has told him, no more driving for life, as part of his punishment. That's something, right? (Read on.)

Also, this Hangin' Judge who gave Wolf 8 years in the Graybar Hotel; some tough dude, no? Well, no. the judge could have given him 10 years. So he thinks Wolf is a threat, but not so much of a threat that he shouldn't get out two years sooner, to resume his driving. Oh, did I mention, Wolf's been ordered not to drive in the past, but apparently just doesn't get the message?

Stephen Wolf is one of 6 Ohio drivers with at least 19 DUI convictions. The state should be so proud of its judicial system. If ever I do want to drink and drive, I'll move to Ohio. Both possibilities are equally likely."

What are you views on drinking and driving? Do you think Missouri takes a strong stand on this issue? Do we really want anyone drinking and driving? Have you talked to a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) member lately?

More from this blogger · Cindy Hine

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zero-tolerance for DUI drivers. I have made complaints about these type of drivers for some time now around the Senath area and nothing is done, see the same drunks drinking and driving around town constantly.

-- Posted by rddogoli on Sat, Mar 1, 2008, at 5:37 AM
I've often wondered why police don't park outside of bars and such and just wait on them to leave. I guess because a lot of police go there themselves? I've heard stories about Highway Patrolmen in this area "following" other patrolmen home when they were drunk, to make sure they made it home ok. Does that decrease the chance that they may cross the line and hit someone head on? hmmm

It's hard for people to respect the law when they see the people that are supposed to enforce those laws break them too, such as police or judges. Maybe these judges in Ohio don't want to really punish someone for something that they do also?

-- Posted by grizz1 on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 4:33 PM
California takes a brutal stance on drinking and driving. Not only do they have random check points (which you cannot back out of) the expense associated with the charge is horrific. I've been told its a hefty $15000 and can easily go up from there. Also, sometimes the brutality of the police officers can be enough to keep one sober behind the wheel!

-- Posted by cbhine on Tue, Mar 4, 2008, at 10:27 AM
Zero tolerance is just a catchy title. But could our city, county and state lock-ups really hold all the offenders if we did have a true Zero tolerance? Do we the hardworking taxpayers want to house, clothe and feed more than the already overwhelming population filling those facilities? I wish I had a concrete solution, but like all the rest, I don't. Perhaps making the drunk drivers be present at the funeral homes while their victims are being prepared for viewing by their families may be a sobering process, just a thought.

-- Posted by SKDellinger on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 9:06 PM
When I said, "zero tolerance" I ment me, I have 0 tolerance for them. I agree, we don't have enough cells to hold everyone who drinks and drives.

-- Posted by rddogoli on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 9:40 PM

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