Louisana Gov. Jindal Proposes Harsh New DUI Laws

By Editor

Already in the news for his response to President Obama’s first congressional address, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is making headlines again, this time for his proposed changes to state DUI laws.

Gov. Jindal’s proposal would not only increase the penalties for drivers who refuses a breathalyzer test, but punish them as if they failed the test.

That’s right: A driver could be punished as if he or she were convicted of a DWI without ever being convicted.

Another proposal would also allow written statements from police to be used in court. Currently, the arresting police officer must appear in court to testify. If the officer does not, the charges are often dismissed.

The proposed changes have critics, many of whom question the constitutionality of the proposed law.

Former special prosecutor Julie Tizzard is quoted in a story by WWLTV:

“I likened it to the police officer is coming to my door and knocking on the door and saying I’d like to come in and search your house, and if you don’t let me in, I’m going to charge with you this criminal violation,” said Tizzard.  “It’s the same thing.”

The state legislature has yet to officially consider the new DUI penalties.