Arlington PD are some sneaky MOFOs.

[clevelandkid]

Granted I think its stupid but if you want to teach some one a lesson, punish them. Monetary punishment doesn't really teach people a lesson IMO. People have no fear of the consequences because they're so insignificant and can buy their way out of

That's the truth - even when I was drinking and driving, I knew if I got popped it would cost me $1,500 in lawyers fee and I would wind up with a reckless op, and a 6 month suspension with very liberal privileges, and zero chance of jail (unless I wrecked and killed somebody). Not much of a punishment.

I know the surcharges are worse here, but even still, I don't think that is a deterrent for most. If I knew my car would be seized (returned to lien holder like a repo if financed, sold at auction if owned) and I would get for sure 3-6 months (year - whatever) in the clink - it would probably start to affect my decisions.

Of all the DUI's the people I know got over the years, none of them ever changed their ways because of the arrests or fines. Those that did change were because of the deaths of our friends, or changes in priorities in their own lives (marriage, kids, etc). Some of them still drink and drive all the time, and will likely wind up on the news when they get their 5th, 10th, or 20th DUI, or when they kill themselves too. Something has to change, because there are a whole bunch of people just like them out there.

[03trubluGT]

He is talking about the surcharge the state sends in the mail. Similar to an insurance surcharge. An old friend of mine had a dwi so thats how I knew about it.

I will have to ask around to find out where that money goes.

[Machx2]

What I posted was almost verbatim from what I was told.

What $3k/year are you talking about?

He is talking about the surcharge the state sends in the mail. Similar to an insurance surcharge. An old friend of mine had a dwi so thats how I knew about it.

[03trubluGT]

Matt - you are also missing the $3000/yr for three years. And if you think that money doesn't trickle down to the cities, you're ignorant.

What I posted was almost verbatim from what I was told.

What $3k/year are you talking about?

[Machx2]

Matt - you are also missing the $3000/yr for three years. And if you think that money doesn't trickle down to the cities, you're ignorant.

Goes to the state. That is the States surcharge I mentioned a minute ago. City doesn't see that money at all.

[onemeangixxer7502]

I just got off the phone with a prosecutor and here's the scoop:

1st offense DWI with no aggravating factors:

90 days in jail probated to 2 years
DWI education
24 hours of community service
Fine $550-650 (money goes to county)
if the person had a BAC of .15 or over, they are required to get an interlock.


So, how much does the PD make?

None.

So, that kind of blows your "revenue generating" theory out of the water.

I'm from a different state, and usually when they slap some one with a Dui, they get several others tickets. You can usually plea it down depending on your record. Once they get that done you can get the machine in your car which costs around 1000 to get put in and removed plus a monthly fee. Plus Court fee's, and any other things you have to pay. If you don't think some of that $ doesn't go back into the state which funds your department you're sadly mistaken. Take away all the $ paid for by people getting tickets and watch whole line items disappear right off your budget.

[bcoop]

Matt - you are also missing the $3000/yr for three years. And if you think that money doesn't trickle down to the cities, you're ignorant.

[03trubluGT]

What about court fines, cost paid to the state for breathalyzers. ETC ETC ETC. Where do you think all of this goes? Back into the city to help pay for stuff. I've never had one thank God but I know they're expensive. Traffic infractions when you fight them nickle and dime you to death.

I just got off the phone with a prosecutor and here's the scoop:

1st offense DWI with no aggravating factors:

90 days in jail probated to 2 years
DWI education
24 hours of community service
Fine $550-650 (money goes to county)
if the person had a BAC of .15 or over, they are required to get an interlock.


So, how much does the PD make?

None.

So, that kind of blows your "revenue generating" theory out of the water.

[Somewhere in Time]

Glad to hear it!! I can't stand drunk drivers.

[onemeangixxer7502]

I agree. You see it all the time. People with 3 dwis and still driving. Should be jail time the first time.

I was in missouri a few weeks ago and I saw road workers and a select few had big black letters on their orange vest " I got a dui" in so and so county. That gave me a good laugh.

[Machx2]

Granted I think its stupid but if you want to teach some one a lesson, punish them. Monetary punishment doesn't really teach people a lesson IMO. People have no fear of the consequences because they're so insignificant and can buy their way out of

I agree. You see it all the time. People with 3 dwis and still driving. Should be jail time the first time.

[Steve]

I've worked a double shift, got pulled over on my way home, and the cop wanted to hit me with DUI, simply because i looked as tired as i felt.

Some cops are great, some are assholes. Hope for the great ones, but be prepared for the assholes.

Agreed.

[onemeangixxer7502]

DWI surcharge is paid to the State of Texas. So I guess it would make more sense if it was DPS sitting outside the bar for it to be a revenue generator for them. If anything the city probably loses money on a DWI. It takes alot of time and resources to work them, also a good amount of paperwork.

Granted I think its stupid but if you want to teach some one a lesson, punish them. Monetary punishment doesn't really teach people a lesson IMO. People have no fear of the consequences because they're so insignificant and can buy their way out of

[Col. Tom Parker]

drunk driving is teh bad.

[Machx2]

He's right though, its more of a revenue generating tactic. If it wasn't the punishment would be harsh. Like in Norway, fines are based on your income and you get to visit norweigan bighouse for awhile.

DWI surcharge is paid to the State of Texas. So I guess it would make more sense if it was DPS sitting outside the bar for it to be a revenue generator for them. If anything the city probably loses money on a DWI. It takes alot of time and resources to work them, also a good amount of paperwork.