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By MICHAEL MARTZ
Arundel Newspapers Staff Writer
RICHMOND — Drunken drivers would be easier to convict and would be subject to tougher penalties if bills approved by the Virginia Senate on Monday become law.
The Senate voted, 36-2-1, to adopt a bill that lowers the blood alcohol level necesssary for “per se” conviction of drunken drivers from. 15 to. 10.
A judge can convict a driver of driving drunk with a .10 level now, but only after hearing evidence that may or may not lead to conviction. The per se law, passed in 1983, makes that conviction automatic if the blood test shows an alcohol level of .15 or higher.
The per se concept already has the Assembly’s endorsement, said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. A. Joseph Canada (R-Virginia Beach).
“The question today is whether we’re going to come in line with the rest of the states,” Sen. Canada said.
The other bill, introduced by Sen. Daniel W. Bird Jr. (DWythe), would impose stiff, mandatory penalities for drunken drivers, including one to five days in jail, a fine of at least $1,000 and loss of license for six months for the first offense.
It faced more opposition before the Senate than Sen. Canada’s measure, but it passed by a 34-4 vote.
The bills will go to the House Courts of Justice Committee, where the opposition may be much stiffer.
95.9%