FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alting fights for tougher penalties
aimed at impaired drivers
Jimmy DeBoy Bill passes out of committee
(STATEHOUSE) – The DeBoy family is one step closer to getting their wish – tougher penalties for impaired drivers. Senator Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), author of Senate Bill 90, is pleased the Jimmy DeBoy Bill passed 7-3 out of committee today. Senate Bill 90 is named after 9-year-old Jimmy DeBoy who was killed while riding his bicycle on a sidewalk by an impaired driver. The driver tested positive for three types of drugs.
“The DeBoy family and their tragedy inspired me to author the Jimmy DeBoy Bill, strengthening the punishments of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Death,” Alting said.
According to Alting, Senate Bill 90 also adds the offense of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Death to the crimes of violence list and addresses license suspensions.
“By making an OWI a crime of violence, penalties could be increased,” Alting said. “In addition, this bill would give judges the opportunity to impose consecutive penalties for license suspensions. Tougher penalties could make people think twice about getting behind the wheel when they are impaired.”
After a morning filled with emotional testimony, the committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters passed the bill that will now move to the full Senate for second reading.
Jimmy DeBoy’s father was among those who testified. “To this day we miss Jimmy,” he said. “Our family feels the law needs to be strengthened.”
In addition, the family of Robert Liphard, a husband and father who was killed on Aug. 16, 2006, by an impaired driver, testified in support of the bill.
“I’ll never get over it,” Liphard’s son said. “I strongly suggest passing this bill.”
“People are demanding that the punishment fit the crime,” Alting said. “Today I heard the traumatic story about a woman who was dragged by a truck driven by a drunk driver. This woman has lost the use of her legs and will now suffer lifelong injuries. The driver received a three-year sentence. This crime does not fit the punishment.”
A letter from Patrick Harrington, Tippecanoe County Prosecuting Attorney, provided this scenario:
“. . . if someone were to steal your checkbook and forge your name for any dollar amount, State law allows a Class C Felony to be charged. The punishment for a C Felony is two to eight years. I hope you would agree that Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury should have at least the same punishment as forgery.”
Alting’s bill would make OWI’s causing death a Class A felony and OWI’s causing serious bodily injury a Class B felony.
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