Massachusetts is considering new drunk driving laws that would require an ignition interlock device for anyone convicted of even a first offense drunk driving charge (OUI). [Read more…]
The Washington Times Takes a Dim View of Constitutional Protections
In a recent editorial, The Washington Times tried to make the case that the recent US Supreme Court decision in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts is n impediment to crime fighting. And if they prioritize orderly, assembly-line convictions over fairness, justice, and the 6th Amendment to the US Constitution, then they may be correct on that point.
More Melendez-Diaz and “Notice and Demand”
Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys are still on the front lines of prosecutor response to the Melendez-Diaz supreme court decision. With new procedures in place, it is likely that a new equilibrium will be found in the legal challenges in the prosecution of DUI and drug cases in Virginia. [Read more…]
More on Melendez-Diaz in Virginia and Criminal Prosecution Procedures
Here is a good, detailed article on the implications of the Melendez-Diaz decision on prosecutors in Virginia. Virginia DAs (Commonwealth’s Attorneys) appear to be trying to aggressively tackle these issues proactively. [Read more…]
MADD Mad About President Obama’s “Beer Summit”
Via Reason, apparently the folks at MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) are annoyed by the President Obama’s “beer summit”. The President of the Delaware Chapter of MADD, Nancy Raynor, is quoted as being “concerned about what teens and children take away from seeing the president drinking on TV”. [Read more…]
Melendez-Diaz Ruling Tangles US Drug and DUI Prosecutions Nationwide
The US Supreme Court case of “Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts” is seen as a huge victory for criminal defense lawyers, and one that could cause headaches for state prosecutors across the country. [Read more…]
Drunk Driving Penalties to Require Ignition Interlock Devices?
The new $500 billion highway bill currently working it’s way through the legislative process has a new requirement for the states: mandatory ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of even a first offense drunk driving charge. According to The Hill, this mandate would withhold federal transportation funding to any states that don’t comply with this requirement. [Read more…]
