Magna Carta News
Friday, October 31, 2003
Oklahoma House of Representatives
October 31, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rep. Thad Balkman
Capitol: (405) 557-7386
Norman: (405) 229-9822
By MIKE FINA
Media Division Asst. Director
OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Thad Balkman recently filed legislation making it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol on private roadways and private properties.
"This measure will close a loophole in our criminal code," the Norman Republican said. Current state law prohibits an intoxicated motorist from operating a vehicle on Oklahoma highways, turnpikes or public parking lots. The Balkman measure would expand the areas to include private property such as trailer parks, privately maintained gated subdivisions, and apartment complexes.
Balkman's proposal was inspired by last month's decision by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decision to overturn Gary Fenimore's conviction for driving under the influence. It was noted in the court's decision that Fenimore was convicted of drinking and driving on private property. It further said that Oklahoma's drunken-driving law is very restrictive in its application to specific locations.
Norman Police Chief Phil Cotten is in favor of the proposal. "Drunk driving is dangerous under any circumstance. Unfortunately, law enforcement can be restricted because of the narrow scope of current law concerning intoxicated drivers." If approved, this legislation could discourage drunken driving on all Oklahoma roads, public and private,
Cotten said.
Vicki Roberts, state victim service coordinator for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, lauded Balkman for his efforts. "Oklahoma laws need to be improved to make our roads safer from irresponsible motorists," Roberts said. "It is exciting to have a state lawmaker with the forethought to change these laws before another innocent Oklahoman is injured or killed
by a drunk driver."
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October 31, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rep. Thad Balkman
Capitol: (405) 557-7386
Norman: (405) 229-9822
By MIKE FINA
Media Division Asst. Director
OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Thad Balkman recently filed legislation making it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol on private roadways and private properties.
"This measure will close a loophole in our criminal code," the Norman Republican said. Current state law prohibits an intoxicated motorist from operating a vehicle on Oklahoma highways, turnpikes or public parking lots. The Balkman measure would expand the areas to include private property such as trailer parks, privately maintained gated subdivisions, and apartment complexes.
Balkman's proposal was inspired by last month's decision by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decision to overturn Gary Fenimore's conviction for driving under the influence. It was noted in the court's decision that Fenimore was convicted of drinking and driving on private property. It further said that Oklahoma's drunken-driving law is very restrictive in its application to specific locations.
Norman Police Chief Phil Cotten is in favor of the proposal. "Drunk driving is dangerous under any circumstance. Unfortunately, law enforcement can be restricted because of the narrow scope of current law concerning intoxicated drivers." If approved, this legislation could discourage drunken driving on all Oklahoma roads, public and private,
Cotten said.
Vicki Roberts, state victim service coordinator for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, lauded Balkman for his efforts. "Oklahoma laws need to be improved to make our roads safer from irresponsible motorists," Roberts said. "It is exciting to have a state lawmaker with the forethought to change these laws before another innocent Oklahoman is injured or killed
by a drunk driver."
-30-
