I know a guy that has had 17 DUIs, I also know a guy that got 3 in two weeks.
The reason they still were driving is a perfect example of the total hypocrisy of the system we have created. The drunk driver represents the biggest cash cow in traffic court today. Most are well covered by insurance, have good paying jobs, own homes and businesses, and have assets. Unlike the typical, hard core intravenous drug user who is usually destitute and penniless except for what he or she can steal. Cities along with their court systems are no different than any other business in that they, "go where the money is".
A couple of years back I got nailed at 4:00 AM by a red light camera on the way to work. I went to "Traffic School" so it wouldn't count any points against my license. There were about 25 people in "the class". The "teacher" asked for a show of hands as to how many were there for any type of D.U.I. infraction. About 9 people raised their hands. He then asked how much they paid thus far in fines, court costs, "schooling", and related expenses. All commented they were well into 4 digits. A young girl said she had to use a cash advance on her credit card to help pay for it all. One guy had mentioned he had paid well over $2,000.00 so far, and he was driving his motorcycle. He was older and had an expensive, tricked out custom Harley Davidson. $$$$$$$$ !
Common sense would dictate if someone was a habitual drunk driver with
17 D.U.I. arrests, complete, permanent, revocation of his license would be totally in order. One problem with that thinking, they, (the court system), wouldn't be able to tap his wallet anymore for fines and all of the other goodies they so love to nail the drunk driver with, if they forced him to take cabs and ride the bus. Look who keeps their license with all of these mega arrests. Most likely they have good paying jobs or businesses and can afford all of the lawyer fees, fines, "schooling", and everything else they can possibly reach into his pockets for.
Remember, this is all pure profit cash money we are talking about. All the city and police have to "produce" to "earn" it is paperwork, and a few minutes of keystrokes on a computer. It is a bonanza for them and they know it. The citizens cry about the horrible carnage, while they could care less. Bag up the bodies, tow away the wreck, hose off the street, and they're good to go. It is one of the biggest, if not
the biggest hypocrisies in law enforcement today, and it will never change. Bill T.