Repeat DUI Offenders Could Be Placed in 24-7 Sobriety Program

Repeat DUI offenders in Kansas could be placed in a 24-7 sobriety program aimed at both punishing offenders and treating chronic violations. The program is being explored by the Kansas Attorney General and aims to keep state highways safe while clearing space in Kansas jails.

While Kansas public policy currently focuses on enforcing drunk driving laws and keeping offenders out of their cars, it fails to address the underlying causes of DUI by changing behavior. That, according to the Kansas AG, should be the focus of change.

Under the proposed law, repeat DUI offenders would be required to submit to twice-a-day breathalyzer tests to ensure sobriety throughout their probationary period. Defendants in the program would need to travel to a designated location to take the tests.

Should the defendant test positive for any amounts of alcohol, they would be sent to jail for at least 12 hours. Subsequent violations would result in longer jail terms. Program members without a means of transportation would be allowed to test only twice a week and wear an electronic monitoring device.

Kansas DUI program may follow models in other states

Three other states, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota, have similar 24-7 sobriety programs, which have had positive results. The first 24-7 sobriety program started as a five-county pilot program in South Dakota, which was eventually adopted statewide. According to one South Dakota judge, the program has since paid for itself and required no continuance of state funding since its initial grant.

While some are championing the proposed program as a cost-cutting and behavior modifying tool to combat DUI, some DUI victim advocacy groups are weary the program may replace other programs they see as important to DUI fatality prevention. One member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving hopes the 24-7 sobriety program does not replace the ignition interlock system designed to keep DUI offenders from getting behind the wheel of their vehicles.

Olathe DUI attorneys

With decades of experience working as a Johnson County prosecutor and Kansas District Attorney, Paul Morrison’s unique perspective gives him invaluable insight into these types of cases. For a consultation about your case, contact our office, or call us (913) 780-6666. The Morrison Law Firm, LLC serves clients throughout Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Shawnee and Westwood as well as Johnson County, Douglas County, Jackson County, Leavenworth County and Miami County, Kansas.