Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced that he co-sponsored legislation that would permanently revoke the driver's licenses of repeat drunk driving offenders. The New York State Senate passed the measure during a recent legislative session.

"People who repeatedly drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs demonstrate a blatant disregard for the safety of their fellow citizens, and obviously have not learned from their previous mistakes. These criminals need to be taken off the road before anyone else is harmed by their irresponsible actions," said Fuschillo. "This legislation provides an even greater deterrent from driving under the influence, and sends a strong message: If you continually drink and drive, you will not have a license."

Under this legislation, a person convicted of three or more DWI offenses in five years, or four or more DWI offences in 10 years, would have their license permanently revoked. Anyone caught driving after their license has been revoked would be guilty of a felony offense. Under the current law, only people who were involved in two alcohol-related crashes in which someone was injured can have their license permanently revoked.

"Recently, we have seen instances, such as the one in Elmont, where innocent people needlessly lost their lives at the hands of drunk drivers with previous DWI convictions," stated Fuschillo. "We must do everything possible to prevent further tragedies and protect our citizens from these criminals."

"Receiving a driver's license is a privilege, not a right. Those who repeatedly disregard the law and have no concern for the safety of others should lose that privilege. Waiting until after an offender has already injured two innocent victims before permanently revoking their license is simply wrong. Giving DWI offenders countless opportunities to kill and maim law-abiding citizens sends the wrong message to criminals. Our laws should protect the innocent, not the guilty," said Marge Lee, president of DEDICATED. "We thank Senator Fuschillo and his Senate colleagues for making the punishment fit the crime. We strongly urge the Assembly to pass this legislation and send a clear message to anyone who repeatedly chooses to jeopardize the lives of others."

This legislation continues Senator Fuschillo's efforts in the fight against drunk driving. Previously, Senator Fuschillo authored the law which lowered New York State's legal threshold of intoxication from a .10 blood alcohol content (BAC) to .08. In addition, Senator Fuschillo has introduced numerous other DWI legislative proposals that impose stricter penalties on people who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The legislation was delivered to the Assembly.