How many driving under the influence (DUI) violations should one person be allowed to get before they lose their license permanently? The sad fact is that most will continue to drive even without a license. Why, because they have to.
Unfortunately, it will cost one Vermont man to spend almost 20% of his life behind bars! This according to reformer.com.
Matthew Mabe, who pleaded guilty to his fifth driving under the influence charge will spend at least four of the next seven years in jail.
The 29-year-old was sentenced for repeated DUI offenses, driving with a suspended license and the violation of his conditions of release while awaiting trial.
In his last Dui incident, Mabe rolled his 1994 Saab 900, during which he broke his leg. At that time he was under driving suspension for life due to previous DUI infractions.
Mabe blew a .149 blood alcohol content, but refused to undergo a second test after being arrested.
Recent laws in Vermont dictate that repeat DUI offenders need to spend more time in jail than in past convictions. The judge was especially irked that Mabe had made no attempts to get sober.
I hope that he takes alcohol classes while in jail. Vermont DUI classes, combined with personal counseling might help Mabe rejoin society from a productive light.