Penalty for drunk driving will double for some
by Ana Ley - Express-NewsDrunken drivers who register a blood alcohol content level of nearly twice the legal limit or higher now could see their penalties doubled under a new state law.
Under a new law that went into effect Thursday, first-time offenders who have a blood alcohol content level of 0.15 or higher will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Previously, the offense was a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The legal limit is a blood alcohol content of 0.08.
