New Bexar County District Attorney, Nico LaHood, has modified the terms of the office's Take Responsibility Program for first time DWI offenders. Read the terms here. It appears the only major changes are that the fine has increased from $500 to $850 and instead of requiring a mandatory conviction of Obstructing a Highway, the State may offer deferred adjudication. My first impression is that increasing the fine is a step in the wrong direction. When you add an $850 fine to court costs, probation fees, ignition interlock fees, DWI classes, and UA fees we're talking about costs of nearly $3000 that someone would be required to pay over the course of 12 months. I doubt that the possibility of deferred adjudication will entice very many clients to "take responsibility." If the accused isn't allowed to expunge the DWI or non-disclose the Obstructing a Highway, I see very little benefit of receiving deferred adjudication. I know Mr. LaHood to be a true seeker of justice. Let's hope he extends the MILES program of pre-trial diversion to first time DWI offenders.
0 Comments
|
AuthorDefending your rights, fighting injustice, and my views on crime and politics. Archives
January 2015
Categories
All
|