The Brief
- Trenton’s Law takes effect October 1, raising penalties for repeat DUI and BUI offenders.
- Repeat offenders who cause deadly crashes could face up to 30 years in prison; refusing a breath test can now carry a misdemeanor charge.
- Local law enforcement warns BUI incidents are on the rise, and the law expands the definition of impairing substances beyond alcohol and drugs.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Trenton’s Law is named after 18-year-old Trenton Johnson, who was killed by a repeat drunk driver. The new law, which takes effect October 1, increases penalties for DUI and BUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide, raising prison terms from 15 to 30 years for offenders with prior convictions.
It also makes it a misdemeanor in some cases to refuse a breath test on the scene.
Maritime attorney Griffin Sher with Sher&Volk PA, notes the law broadens the definition of “impairing substances,” potentially covering anything that could affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle or boat safely.
Local perspective:…