New York DUI laws to toughen up

Under current New York DUI laws, a person who kills someone while driving under the influence only allows for misdemeanor penalties of up to a year in jail, but as tougher state laws go into effect next week, the offenses will be considered felony penalties carrying up to seven years in prison.

Victims of DUI-related fatalities have been frustrated by the New York DUI laws as they currently stand, allowing offenders to get off lightly or with minimal jail time. Many supporters of the changes believe the laws are long overdue. As of July 1, anyone convicted of a New York DUI fatality will face the stricter laws.