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Westchester to enact DWI Vehicle Forfeiture Legislation
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WHITE PLAINS – Legislation that would require the forfeiture of vehicles for those convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while engaged in unlawful speed contests or drag races is ready for a vote in Westchester County.
County Board of Legislators Chairman Bill Ryan (D, I,WFP-White Plains), joined by Legislator Peter Harckham (D, I, WFP-Katonah), the author of this landmark legislation and the Board’s Committees on Legislation Chairman William Burton (D,I,WFP-Ossining) and Public Safety Chairman Legislator Vito Pinto (D,WFP-Tuckahoe) announced movement towards passage.
“We have commitments from enough legislators to report this legislation out of committee and pass it on the floor of the full Board at our next meeting,” said Chairman Ryan. “I want to congratulate Legislators Harckham, Burton and Pinto on this victory, which will save thousands of lives in the future.”
Harckham said there are two intents. One is to deprive the drunk driver of his ‘weapon’.
“We hope to take the instrumentality of the crime away, just as you would take a gun away from an illegal gun user. I submit to you that a vehicle in the hands of a drunk driver is no different than a gun.”
Harckham adds that taking someone’s car away my be the ‘wake-up call’ the problem drinker needs, to realize he has a problem.
“It's also important for residents to realize that if you're caught driving drunk, you risk taking a life or losing your own. The County Board has found that while larger fines, longer license suspensions, and increased jail sentences may deter some offenders, a stronger deterrent is necessary to protect the public.”
The legislators were joined by Alonzo West of the Westchester Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Michael Hagan of the Westchester County Police Benevolent Association, Robert Buckley of the Westchester County Correction Superior Officers Association and Helene Hodapp of the Westchester County Probation Officers Association, all of which have been vocal in their support of the legislation. “Law enforcement personnel need every tool at their disposal to combat the ever-growing scourge of drinking and driving offenses,” said Hodapp.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, civil forfeiture of motor vehicles laws serve as a deterrent to recidivism may reduce first-time offenses and will send a stern message that driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and drag racing will not be tolerated in Westchester County.
The push for the legislation comes weeks after the horrific crash that killed eight on the Taconic Parkway. Tests show Diane Schuler was drunk and high on pot at the time of the accident, although her husband continues to dispute the laboratory findings.
An ominously similar incident occurred on the Taconic late Wednesday night, although without the tragic consequences. Another driver was stopped going the wrong way on the Taconic. Gregorio Pena was also drunk, according to police.
Harckham said the forfeiture measure was in the works before the Taconic incidents.
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On the local news they said this would apply to 1st time offenses.
I disagree with this 100000000000% and think this is awful IMHO. Especially, considering the fact that the a cop can say someone was "engaged in a speed contest".
Thoughts?
