| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| January 24, 2000 | Jon Peterson (651-296-5989) |
STANEK ATTENDS SANDRA HART SENTENCING
10-Time DWI Offender Highlights Need for DWI Felony Law
(MINNEAPOLIS) On behalf of the House Crime Prevention Committee, Chairman Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove) attended the sentencing of 10-time DWI offender Sandra Hart in Hennepin County District Court this morning. Ms. Hart was charged with a gross misdemeanor and sentenced to 21 days in local jail, with alcohol monitoring. Under current Minnesota law, it was the strongest punishment that could be leveled against her.
"I left the courtroom today with renewed energy to increase the penalties for repeat drunk drivers," said Rep. Stanek. "Sandra Hart has already demonstrated that she has no intention of changing her behavior, and so she is the perfect example of why we must pass a DWI felony bill. Unless we take her off the streets, she is going to eventually kill someone."
Current Minnesota DWI law has been in place since 1967, with only minor changes. During the 1999 Session, lawmakers made administrative changes to DWI sentencing guidelines and made a felony of providing alcohol to minors who cause damage or injury to themselves or others. House Republicans have already announced plans to pass tougher DWI penalties in the 2000 Session, which begins on February 1. Stanek is the chief author of a bill that would make four DWI convictions over 10 years a felony.
A 16-year police veteran, Rich Stanek represents House District 33B, which includes the communities of Plymouth and Maple Grove. He was first elected in 1995 and has served as chairman of the House Crime Prevention Committee since 1999.
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