Rework the sentencing for DWIs and crimes that occur simultaneously to DWIs

 

Reworking the sentencing procedures for DWIs and vehicular manslaughter. Currently, under Minnesota statute 169A.275,

the first DWI is 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000, the second is up to one year in jail and fines up to $3,000,

the third is one year in jail, up to $3,000 in fines and potential license probation, and the fourth can result in up to

seven years in prison, fines up to $14,000, and license probation. I propose changing this sentence to the following:

The first DWI will now result in up to six months in jail and fines up to $3,000. The second DWI will now result in up

to 18 months in jail and fines up to $5,000, and a 6-month license probation. The third DWI will now result in 3 years

in jail and fines up to $20,000, and up to 3 years probation of their license. Additionally, this bill will rework the

punishment for deaths caused under the influence. Currently, deaths under the influence of alcohol while driving qualify

as criminal vehicular homicide with a maximum sentence of 10 years. I propose that any deaths caused by driving under

the influence fall under third-degree murder, with the default maximum sentence of 25 years.

 

In today's modern day and age, getting to and from locations has only become easier and easier. Despite this, drunk

driving is still an all too common issue. Ubers and Lyfts have become seamless ways to get from place to place without a

car, and when you do not have a safe driver. Due to these new companies and capabilities, those who still choose to

drive impaired must face an updated sentence, one that reflects the world we currently live in. Currently, there are an

average of 18,000 DWIs in Minnesota, and an average of 100 DWI-related deaths in Minnesota. Both of these numbers are

disturbingly high, so by increasing the sentences for DWIs and DWI-related crimes, we discourage the repeat offenders,

who currently make up 33% of all DWI sentences. Additionally, the definition of third-degree murder is a death caused by

dangerous behavior, which is exactly what impaired driving is. The fact that impaired drivers can get up to fifteen

fewer years in their sentence makes no sense. This bill would not only punish impaired drivers more, but would also

punish those who cause unfortunate deaths while impaired. Plus, the additional jail time will allow for more time spent

in rehabilitation, which will help these people kick their addictions. This increase in sentencing is crucial to keeping

our streets safe.

 

DWI: Criminal charge for driving under the influence, which means that the driver has a blood alcohol content greater

than 0.08. This means that their ability to drive is impaired. This also applies if the driver is on any drugs.

Criminal vehicular homicide: Death of someone when operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level greater than the

legal limit of 0.08. This comes with a sentence of up to 10 years and up to a $20,000 fine.

Third-degree murder: This degree of murder is the second lowest, and means that the death was caused unintentionally but

was caused by a dangerous act. This comes with a sentence of up to 25 years.

License probation: Typically leads to restrictions on when and how you can drive. For example, you may only be able to

drive a certain number of people and only be able to drive at certain times and for certain reasons.

Uber and Lyft: Companies that allow you to book a ride from your phone from your current location to where you want to

go.

 

All funding and revenue generated from this bill will come from and go to the same sources as it currently does.

Currently, that money goes to and will continue to go towards funding public services and programs. No additional

funding is necessary.

 

No additional penalties/enforcement needed, as all systems for this are already in place.

 

August 1st, 2026