Drunk drivers could be required to pay child support
Feb 7, 2013, 5:24 AM | Updated: 7:07 am
State Rep. Roger Goodman believes it's only right for people convicted of vehicular homicide to pay for the children they left parent-less when they chose to get behind the wheel while drunk or high. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
Drunk drivers who kill behind the wheel could be forced to support the children of their victims under a bill being considered in the legislature.
State Rep. Roger Goodman believes it’s only right for people convicted of vehicular homicide to pay for the children they left parent-less when they chose to get behind the wheel while drunk or high.
His bill would give judge’s the ability to require restitution as part of the sentencing. “I just think it’s in the interest of justice to have that offender pay child support for those kids,” he said.
The amount would be based on a defendant’s ability to pay, and the payment would end when kids reach 18.
This bill made it out of the state House last year but did not clear the Senate.
