SALT LAKE CITY — A drunk driving bill sparked heated debate and long discussions at the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committee on Monday.
House Bill 273, or “Sentencing Modifications for Certain DUI Offenses,” would increase the minimum prison sentence for Utahns guilty of automobile homicide.
Multiple families of victims of drunk driving spoke before lawmakers, as well as county prosecutors, law enforcement leaders, and criminal defense attorneys.
“My son was tragically hit and killed by a drunk driver Apr. 28, 2022,” said Jeremy Mitchell. “He was 13 years old.”
The Mitchells thought the sentencing meant a closed chapter. Then they learned they might have to relive the trauma of losing Eli to the Board of Pardons and Parole sooner than they thought.
“The issue is once a judge sentences them to prison, we do have this indeterminate sentence that’s completely out of their hands at that point. This person may be in there for the full 15 years, maybe out in a year,” said Rep. Andrew Stoddard, who sponsored the bill.