Judges, DWI, and One Who Appears To Be Making a Difference

Too often in WNY and in cities and towns across the country, police make DWI arrests, and then the justice system brings everything to a screeching halt. Judges are not always focused on the dangers drunk drivers pose to innocent victims.

In the case surrounding my sister's death, the man convicted in the case had at least two prior DWI convictions. Earlier that day he was even pulled over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Too often, people charged with DWI offenses are repeat offenders and they commit the crime multiple times before they are 1-pulled over or 2-face serious repurcussions. Instead, the charges are "knocked down" or reduced.

Four years ago, when Deborah Chimes was appointed town justice in Orchard Park, she became the first female justice in town history. That's impressive enough, but what caught my eye is that since she took office, Chimes instated the National Safety Council Driver Improvement Program. That program helps people who are found guilty of driving while intoxicated get into anti-DWI programs even if they can't afford treatment. Now Chimes is running for re-election. As someone who fights DWI in this community, it's nice to see a judge who is focused on keeping impaired drivers off the road.


Deanna