MADD Concerned with Implications of U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Regarding Drunk Driving

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2004

Contacts:
Misty Moyse, 214-744-6233 x 4558
Heidi Castle, 214-744-6233 x 4545

Statement for attribution to: 
Wendy J. Hamilton, National President, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruling dealt with the interpretation of federal immigration deportation laws, MADD is nonetheless concerned that the ruling has potential implications regarding whether drunk driving is viewed as a violent crime.  MADD believes that drinking and driving is a choice that the driver makes and therefore it is intentional.    A drunk driver knows or should know that getting behind the wheel will likely cause serious injury or death to him/herself or innocent people on the roadways.  In MADD's opinion, as well as the opinions of several state courts, this conduct is enough to raise the culpability level to that of a violent crime.