Intoxalock: Texas "Second Chance" Bill is a Golden Opportunity for First-Time Drunk Driving Offenders

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Jun 19, 2017, 13:00 ET

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Intoxalock is calling the recent passing of Texas state's House Bill (HB) 3016 a "golden opportunity" for first-time drunk driving offenders as it helps them remain employed as well as seek new employment.

HB 3016, dubbed the "Second Chances Bill," allows people convicted of one low-level offense – which includes a DWI with a blood alcohol level under 0.14 or nonviolent Class C misdemeanors - to request an order of nondisclosure from a court after they pay restitution and serve their sentence.

Intoxalock is calling the recent passing of Texas state’s House Bill (HB) 3016 a “golden opportunity” for first-time drunk driving offenders as it helps them remain employed as well as seek new employment.

"While we don't condone drinking and driving for any reason, this bill is monumental for first-time offenders, because it enables them to move past the offense and limit the collateral damage while allowing them the opportunity to prove that they made a once-in-a-lifetime mistake and have learned their lesson," said Brad Fralick, Intoxalock Director of Government Relations.

The new law does not afford second chances to everyone. A DWI offender would not qualify for the nondisclosure option if they had a prior DWI conviction, had a blood alcohol level above 0.14, have not fully paid court fines, or if they struck a pedestrian or a vehicle with someone inside. And, although a nondisclosure order would seal a criminal records from public view, law enforcement agencies and a few other entities will still be able to view the records when necessary.

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, introduced the bill because she believes low-level offenders shouldn't have to face punishment beyond the penalties assessed in court. "If we are going to require a person to be penalized for a mistake they have made, once that penalty is over with, they have fulfilled the obligations of that penalty. They ought to be given an opportunity to make a living. They ought to be given an opportunity to have a place to live."

"While this law protects the rights of those who have made a singular offense, it is not a safe haven for repeat offenders and that is where we look to Texas legislators to continue to push the bar in strengthening drunk driving prevention efforts," said Fralick.

About Intoxalock

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Intoxalock (http://www.Intoxalock.com) developed its state-of-the-art ignition interlock device in conjunction with researchers from Iowa State University. Recently celebrating their 23^rd anniversary in the alcohol monitoring business, Intoxalock currently services clients that are legally required to install an IID or home alcohol-monitoring unit in 39 states across the nation, in addition to voluntary clients in all other states. In the last 10 years, the ignition interlock industry has grown three-fold and is expected to continue as drunk driving legislation strengthens.

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SOURCE Intoxalock