Age: 47 Prior DWIs: 11 Suspensions: 15 BAC: 0.30% Kills two teenagers

Apr 11, 2006 3 Replies

It happened 2 March 2006 in Burton Township, Ohio.



The hate-mongering MADD bigots added two more "TEENAGERS KILLED IN DRUNK DRIVING CRASHES" to the tally they use to promote bigotry against teenagers. (Should Abraham Lincoln worry whether crime stats will rise or fall if the slaves are freed?)



The victims never got a chance to drink legally.



The suspect was 47, had 11 prior DWI convictions, 15 suspensions on his license and blew a thirty, but God forbid the Ohio Legislature pass tougher laws against older drunk drivers.



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Cline jailed for previous suspension By: Patrick McCarthy snipped-for-privacy@News-Herald.com



03/28/2006

It's one down and at least 13 more charges to go for James D. Cline. Cline, 47, shackled and dressed in camouflage pants, pleaded guilty Monday in Chardon Municipal Court to a charge of driving under suspension stemming from an incident in July. Following the recommendation of Police Prosecutor James M. Gillette, Judge Mark J. Hassett sentenced Cline to 180 days in jail, a driver's license suspension of 365 days and court costs, the maximum punishment for such an offense. The case had been delayed after the court previously granted five continuances. Court security was increased Monday, and several Geauga County deputy sheriffs guarded Cline, who is also charged with causing a crash that killed 18-year-olds Grace Chamberlain of Kirtland and Andrew Hopkins of Warren. Cline, of 14080 Nash Road, Troy Township, already was in the custody of the Geauga County Sheriff's Department after he was indicted on 13 charges stemming from the March 2 crash. Police records indicate Cline's blood-alcohol level after the fatal crash in Burton Township was .304, nearly four times Ohio's legal limit of .08. He has 11 drunken-driving convictions dating back to 1984. Evan DaSilva, 19, was also injured in the March 2 crash. The Rhode Island teen is still being treated at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland where he is listed in good condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.


©The News-Herald 2006

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Phil =====visit the New York City Homebrewers Guild website:

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Actually the trial discussed in the article below deals with his latest conviction. It doesn't mention MADD. But even if MADD included the killing of two teenagers by that alchoholic in their statistics, I would think that would be a good thing. Wouldn't you? I think it's important to get drunks off the road whether they are teens or adults. I see nothing bigotted about that. And I see no tie-in to Abraham Lincoln.

Somehow I think that is a minor issue don't you?

Actually I think the laws should be tougher across the board. First time drunk behind the wheel lose your license for 6 months, regardless of age or circumstance. Period.

I'm not such a nice guy, I think first time should be 30 days in jail, loss of license for a year, and confiscation of the vehicle.

Drinking is like owning guns, if people who abuse the privilege aren't clearly and strongly punished there is no deterrence. And from everything I've read the sureness of punishment is more important than the severity.

I also think that driving dangerously under the influence should be a separate crime. The driver crawling home at 30 has impaired coordination, the one whizzing along at 70 has impaired judgement, a much larger issue.

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