POLICY TOUGHENED ON PROSECUTION OF REPEAT DRUNK DRIVERS

Effective December 11, more repeat drunk drivers will be looking at jail terms.

The Public Prosecutions Division of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General has revised their policy on when jail time would be sought in cases of repeat drunk drivers.

Current policy states that if someone has had a prior conviction within two years, or two convictions within the four previous years, Prosecutions would proceed by "second conviction" which includes a minimum 30-days jail term. Two prior convictions within two years or three within four would lead to "subsequent conviction" proceedings, which includes a minimum 120-day jail term.

The new policy would extend the history of offenses back to include one prior conviction within five years or two within ten for "second conviction", and two prior convictions within five years or three within ten to bring the longer jail term associated with "subsequent conviction". The policy change casts a wider net if either the new or the previous incidents of drunk driving caused bodily harm or death, as well as covering driving while disqualified offences.

"Drinking and driving causes great pain and loss and the greater deterrence measures are welcome," Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said.

A committee of prosecutors headed by Mr. Glen Herman, Q.C., Regional Crown Prosecutor for Swift Current, examined policies in effect in other provinces and territories, and subsequently recommended this approach. This approach would be among the strictest in the country.

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For more information, contact:

Laur'Lei Silzer
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: laurlei.silzer@gov.sk.ca