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Melanie's Law - Repeat DUI Offenders

Melanie's Law Targets Repeat Drunk Drivers

Boston, MA - A new drunk driving law in Massachusetts will aid prosecutors in punishing drunk drivers with repeated convictions. Under the new law, prosecutors will use certified court records in order to prove prior drunk driving incidents. The law is named "Melanie's law" after the 13-year-old Melanie Powell, who was killed in an accident caused by a repeat drunk driver two years ago. With Melanie's law, repeat offenders must utilize an ignition interlock device, which connects a Breathalyzer to the ignition of their car. In order to turn the car on, they must measure their blood alcohol content.

New drunk driving crimes have been established under Melanies' law: loaning a car to someone who is clearly drunk; driving under the influence with a child under the age of 14; and manslaughter caused by drunk driving. Motor vehicle manslaughter now carries a mandatory sentence of five years, doubled from two-and-a-half years.

Melanie Powell's family is proud that the new law has gone into affect. Powell's grandfather, Ron Bersani, said, "We'll never know how many lives Melanie's Law will save, but we have faith it will be many, so today, we thank you, Melanie."

The house and senate approved a weaker version of the bill last week, which created some backlash from the governor and others. On Friday, lawmakers voted to put the tougher punishments back into the legislation.

October 29, 2005

Also See:

Massachusetts Toughens OUI Penalties

Tags: DUI News | Massachusetts DUI

Posted Thursday, March 22, 2007
Filed in DUI News | Massachusetts DUI | Permalink | Comments (7)

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OUI

Posted by john law at 2009-05-18 11:20

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE FUCKIN DRUNKS WHO NEVER GOT CAUGHT YOU PEOPLE AND YOUR LAWS SUCK EAT THIS IT'S A SHAME A YOUNG CHILD HAD TO DIE BUT THERE REALLY IS NO JUSTICE WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU YOU POLITICAL PIGS WHO SIT ON YOUR ASS AND DRINK YOUR DAY WILL COME SHIT BAGS

hey

Posted by mike at 2009-06-12 13:55

You guys should be a shamed of your selfs.I got 5 years with out a license for a second oui with in 8 years.Got kids lost my job,my home,just about my life all because of melaines law.Dont know how u people can sleep at night.

You're an idiot!

Posted by USuck at 2009-08-01 18:18

You're a drunk who simply deserves what he got! You're a selfish, weak human being who doesn't deserve to drive!

Melanies law

Posted by Tracy at 2009-06-24 16:55

I have 2 DUI's, both my fault,but my last was in 1996, because I couldnt afford to reinstate my license until 2006 the RMV says I fall under Melanies law. I did everything that was expected of me by the courts, the 2 week intake, classes and fines but I ran out of money. So now I cant drive in Mass unless I install a device in my car. I have a CDL-A license in maine but I cant drive in or go through Mass because of this law.I have been out of work since Jan and the only jobs are over the road, I am appealing this in superior court but I have no lawyer/and I cant afford one. No one wants to touch this subject because of madd. What I did was wrong but I paid my dues and shouldnt be subject to this it was 9 yrs before melanies law, If anyone wants to vent email me tgeer15@yahoo.com

husband arrested in the passenger seat, parked

Posted by Pat at 2009-07-09 20:30

Hello,
I pray for all parties involved in any DUI/OUI situation. The new laws and the press have made convicted and prosecuted individuals to an extreme degree. Families of members convicted are living a life of pure hell and financial disaster. Dreams of college for the kids gone up in smoke...funds are needed for legal fees and the up keep of the house without a second income. I've interviewed many and heard mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers, sons, dads, aunts, uncles, and all loved ones put into a state of financial and emotional devastation...some...never to recover and enjoy the basic American dream.

The punsihment doesn't fit the crime

Posted by A at 2009-07-15 10:29

Husband had a DUI - continueance without a finding when he was 18 - then when he was 32 - he was bullied into taking a breath test after being pulled over for a headlight being out - Melanie's Law had just passed. He did everything he had to - including have a breath tester in his car for two years. That is up in August and now they send a letter saying because he blew a .02 (legal limit being .08!) twice at 5:30 in the morning last March - he will lose his licesne for LIFE. There is plenty of evidence out there that he DID NOT have to have been drinking for it to register a BAC. I told him to make a stink about false positives - but he never did - and now they tell us their is NOTHING we can do. MELANIE'S LAW RUINS MORE LIVES THAN IT SAVES. CLASS ACTION SUITS ARE NEEDED. SEND LETTERS TO THE GOV. COMPLAIN IF THIS HAS RUINED YOUR LIFE TOO. We just bought a house and are trying to start a family - and how is life going to go on?

wow

Posted by mike at 2009-08-02 21:31

they want me to put a device on my vehicle now but im afraid.......