Posts Tagged ‘US Supreme Court’

I have been thinking about all the famalies I have meet in my ten years with MADD.  So many great people impacted by a violent crime that is 100% preventable. victimserviceslogo96x68

The one thing that is hard for me to shrug off is that society doesn’t deem drunk driving (basically a 2,000 lb. bullet aimed at traffic on public highways) a violent crime. Wow!

Even though this press release is from last April (traditionally Victim’s Rights Month) I thought This was worth inserting now that we have our blog up so everyone can see.  Please read and thanks for coming and spending time with us here at MADD Nebraska http://www.maddnebraska.org/

Simera Reynolds

Court Rules DUI Does Not Count as Violent Felony

  4/16/2008 12:00:00 AM

Contact Information

Misty Moyse, MADD National 
(469) 420-4558 
misty.moyse@madd.org

Statement of Attribution to Glynn R. Birch, National President, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

(April 16, 2008) – MADD is deeply disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that DUI does not count as a prior violent felony for purposes of enhancing prison sentences associated with a current felony conviction. While this is a narrow interpretation, the precedent that it could set for future cases is dangerous. People do make a choice to drive drunk and that is breaking the law. MADD commends the dissent of the Court for their thoughtful arguments recognizing the “purposeful” “violent” and “aggressive” nature of a DUI offense, as well as their recognition that violent behavior, alcohol abuse, and driving while intoxicated are often intermingled. 

MADD continually monitors the use of violent crime in the courts as it relates to drunk driving nationwide in an effort to protect the thousands of victims/survivors killed and injured by drunk driving every year. MADD works closely with judicial and legislative leaders nationwide to eliminate drunk driving. Drunk driving is the nation’s most frequently committed violent crime killing more than 1,000 people a month and injuring countless others.

About MADD 
MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501 (c) (3) charity with 2 million members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives. For more information, visit www.madd.org.

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