How can I help to get the law changed in my state so that vehical manslaughter is life in prison?

Question

my friend recently died in a car crash and was taken by a drunk driver. I AM MAD AS h**l! How can I get the laws changed so its not just a slap on the wrist to these people!!?

Answer 1

Give them death!

Work with MAD!

When you kill, you should die!

Stay mad, do not give up.

Do it for your buddy!

Good-bless you for caring!

Answer 2

I am so sorry for your loss.  But as for the Penal Code, there is no need to change the law.  CA has some of the toughest sentencing laws in the USA.  California punishes DUI's with death or injuries very seriously.  If you have been convicted of a first time DUI, the second offense, resulting in a death is a Murder in the second degree.  That is 15 years to Life imprisonment... that means the guilty party must serve at least 85% of their 15 years before they are even eligible for parole.  And no one, at present, gets paroled.  It is called a "Watson Murder."

Now Mr. Shimp is looking at 2 cts of 2d degree murder if he has a 1st time DUI.  Considering his drug and alcohol abuse, as noted in the story, he probably had a DUI prior.  That sentence would be 30 years to life.

If he does not have a prior DUI, he is looking at 4, 6 or 10 years for EACH victim in State Prison.... Plus, he will have several counts of criminal threats and stalking, which are Strikes, under the Three Strikes Law, each equaling 3 years State Prison.  The years add up pretty quickly.  And you know this guy has other criminal trouble as well.  

Let me assure you, this defendant is NOT going anywhere but State Prison for many years to come.

Answer 3

(There ya go Kate - above - well put. I thought we had some tough laws on that here already.)

years in prison - yes I agree

life in prison - no, I don't agree

The reason I feel this way is because "this person" who committed vehicular manslaughter did not wake up & say "I want to kill someone today." - they did not plan it out, it was not their intention, if you will. The problem lies in the fact that yes, "this person" chose to drink --drinking makes you unaware of what you are doing (sometimes) -- so did this person really intend to kill someone, that is the question & the dilemma.

However, I have experienced death due to drunk driving in my family & I can relate. I think like the others said, you should contact MADD, SADD, etc. & ask them for advice -- I'm sure they could use your volunteer services. Look up who your local government reps are (senators, congress, etc.).

Also, maybe you would consider volunteering for the types of programs that help teach people NOT to drink & drive in the first place, therefore, possibly saving future lives & saving people from having to go through what you are currently going through. I will pray for you & for everyone involved.

Harsher punishment isn't the only answer. Look at the crimes that you get "life" for - they still happen, people don't stop doing those things just because the punishment is life. It takes more than punishment ...

Answer 4

I live in California to. I am very sorry for your loss. Those of us that have seen this happen way to many times can understand your pain and frustration. I would suggest volunteering with MAD, write your congressman and Senator. The unfortunate thing is the person that did this (unless they have a prior record) will not serve much time. At least not in comparison to the life they took. It is difficult to keep people in prison that take lives with a gun, much less a drunk jerk. I know I would sign your petition. Good Luck.

Answer 5

My suggestion is to get in touch with your local state congressmen/senators/ and Gov. Schwarzenegger. Most of these laws are state by state, so getting in touch with the local state people will do more good than your US Congressmen and Senators.

Join MADD or other such organizations around. And do research about getting a petition and see how many signatures it would take to have it as a possibility for a ballot measure in California.

Answer 6

Vehicular manslaughter.

http://dictionary.law.com/default2.asp?s...

Hope that helps.