Canadian Man Receives Life Sentence for DUI
The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that Roger Walsh, 57, was sentenced to life in prison for killing a woman in a wheelchair while he was DUI. Neither the fact that the woman was in a wheelchair nor the fact that she was killed is what makes this case remarkable.
What does make this case remarkable is the fact that this was Walsh’s 19th drunk driving conviction.
This is clearly an extreme case, but it begs the question…what are the appropriate methods of punishment and/or rehabilitation for repeat DUI offenders who have an obvious addiction to alcohol?
California DUI school is one component of a DUI sentence, regardless of whether it’s an individual’s first, second, or third drunk driving conviction. For repeat DUI offenders with a true addiction, these classes aren’t the answer.
I think it goes without saying that Walsh wasn’t supposed to be drinking or driving at the time of his accident. Cars can be impounded, mini breathalyzers can be installed in cars to prevent the driver from starting the car unless he/she provides an alcohol-free breath sample (commonly referred to as an IID), people can be electronically monitored…however none of these “penalties” are foolproof (evidenced by Walsh’s actions).
This country recognizes that drug addiction is a medical problem and that abusers need help. And although our society doesn’t acknowledge it, the same should be true for those who suffer from alcohol addiction. There has to be some type of reform towards rehabilitation for addicts. If there isn’t, the facts of this case won’t be so remarkable anymore; they will simply become the norm.
