Drunk Driving Crackdown - Judge Doubles Down
A recent sentence handed down by an Itasca County judge to a repeat drunk driver involved in a fatal crash reflects the statewide crackdown currently underway.
Judge John Hawkinson gave Michael P. Skubitz, 28, of Oak Grove, a nearly 10-year prison term for driving with a blood alcohol content of .20, more than twice the legal limit, and crashing his truck into a tree. The accident killed his passenger, Jon Blaskey, 27 of Anoka. Blaskey leaves behind a 4-year old daughter.
The sentence is twice what the state guidelines recommend. Considering Skubitz’s past DWI record, the punishment appears more than justified. Skubitz had been released from jail 16 months prior to the accident after serving time for his third DWI.
Under a new state law set to begin July 1, a repeat drunk driver like Skubitz would not have been able to drive his truck without first blowing into the tube of an ignition lock system. That law, coupled with tough jurists like Judge Hawkinson, should make Minnesota roads safer from drunk driving accidents.
Cory P. Whalen
Attorney at Law
Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey
800 Marquette Avenue, Suite 900
Minneapolis, MN 55402
612-333-9782
Judge John Hawkinson gave Michael P. Skubitz, 28, of Oak Grove, a nearly 10-year prison term for driving with a blood alcohol content of .20, more than twice the legal limit, and crashing his truck into a tree. The accident killed his passenger, Jon Blaskey, 27 of Anoka. Blaskey leaves behind a 4-year old daughter.
The sentence is twice what the state guidelines recommend. Considering Skubitz’s past DWI record, the punishment appears more than justified. Skubitz had been released from jail 16 months prior to the accident after serving time for his third DWI.
Under a new state law set to begin July 1, a repeat drunk driver like Skubitz would not have been able to drive his truck without first blowing into the tube of an ignition lock system. That law, coupled with tough jurists like Judge Hawkinson, should make Minnesota roads safer from drunk driving accidents.
Cory P. Whalen
Attorney at Law
Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey
800 Marquette Avenue, Suite 900
Minneapolis, MN 55402
612-333-9782
Labels: repeat drunk driver; Judge John Hawkinson., road safety; drunk driver; fatal crash
posted by Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey at
Monday, June 13, 2011
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