MADD Influence on DUI in Los Angeles

MADD Influence on DUI in Los Angeles

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, has had a huge impact on DUI laws and enforcement in LA and across California. Let’s take a look at how this grassroots organization has worked to change attitudes, laws, and sentencing when it comes to driving under the influence.

History of MADD

MADD was started in 1980 by a woman named Candace Lightner, after her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver in California. Lightner was outraged that the man who killed her daughter was able to get off with very minor consequences. She founded MADD to advocate for stricter DUI laws and enforcement, as well as victim support.

Through the 1980s, MADD quickly grew into a powerful national organization with hundreds of local chapters. They successfully lobbied for major changes to DUI laws across the country, including new laws setting .08% as the legal blood alcohol limit for driving, and establishing mandatory license suspensions for first-time offenders.

MADD’s Influence in California

California was one of the first states where MADD established a strong presence. They have played a major role in shaping DUI policy here for over 30 years now.

Some of the major changes MADD pushed for in California include:

• Lowering the legal BAC limit from .10% to .08%
• Requiring ignition interlock devices for all drunk driving offenders, even first-timers
• Mandatory jail time for repeat offenders
• Tougher penalties for drivers under 21 caught over the legal limit
• Expanding DUI checkpoints across the state

MADD also helped pass Victim Impact Panel laws, requiring all DUI offenders to attend a panel where victims describe how drunk driving crashes have impacted their lives. The goal is to humanize the consequences of DUI.

MADD’s Presence in LA

The LA chapter of MADD has been especially active in raising awareness locally. They sponsor many outreach events and school education programs to spread their message.

MADD LA also maintains a strong presence at local court houses. Their volunteer victim advocates provide support to families impacted by DUIs. And they have lobbied LA judges and prosecutors to hand down the maximum sentences for offenders.

There’s no doubt MADD has influenced many LA area judges to view DUIs as violent crimes rather than accidents. Even first-time offenders now frequently face jail time along with stiff fines and license suspension.

Criticisms of MADD

While MADD has done a lot of good, they also receive some criticism from civil rights groups. Opponents say some of their advocacy goes too far, demonizing anyone who drinks and drives even slightly over the limit.

For example, setting .08% as the legal limit means even someone who only had one drink with dinner could be convicted of a DUI. Some argue the limit should be higher, like .10%.

There are also concerns that MADD has pushed for treating first-time offenders extremely harshly. Jail time and loss of license can severely impact lives for a single mistake.

While no one condones drunk driving, there are questions around whether the punishments now fit the crime in all cases.

The Success of Tough DUI Laws

Regardless of criticisms, it’s clear that the harsher DUI laws MADD lobbied for have succeeded in reducing drunk driving deaths.

Since 1980, alcohol-related traffic fatalities have dropped by over 50% nationally. Tens of thousands of lives have been saved thanks to the awareness MADD has raised.

In California, drunk driving deaths have fallen from over 3,000 per year in the 1980s, to below 1,000 per year today. LA has seen a similar drop.

So while their advocacy has been controversial, MADD deserves credit for helping make our roads safer. Their efforts have clearly saved many lives in LA and beyond.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for DUI

Because of MADD’s influence, being arrested for DUI in LA is an extremely serious matter with major consequences. Having a skilled DUI defense attorney can make all the difference.

An attorney knows how to challenge the evidence against you in court. They look closely at whether proper procedure was followed during your arrest and testing.

In many cases, an attorney can get charges reduced or even dismissed. They can also advocate for lighter sentencing, like avoiding jail time for first-time offenders who made a mistake.

Don’t take a DUI arrest lightly. Consult an attorney right away before pleading guilty or accepting any deals from the prosecutor. A strong legal defense really improves your chances for an outcome that lets you move on with your life.

At the Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman, we’ve helped hundreds of clients accused of DUI in LA. Give us a call for experienced legal representation. Consultations are free and confidential.

The Bottom Line

MADD has dramatically shaped DUI laws and enforcement in California through years of effective advocacy and public awareness campaigns. While some criticize them as going too far, there’s no doubt that thousands of lives have been saved on our roads thanks to MADD’s efforts.

Being arrested for DUI in LA is extremely serious due to their influence. Be sure to consult an attorney to protect your rights and future.