KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffPossible changes to DWI laws ahead

Possible changes to DWI laws ahead

By CJ Cassidy - bio | email

CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - Possible changes ahead for DWI laws could keep more drunk drivers off the roads.

Those changes are part of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's efforts to crack down on drinking and driving.

"I remember seeing her wave as she went out this driveway, bye mom.  I says 'Bye Cathy, I love you.' She says 'I love you too.'"

That was the last time Loretta Wilson saw her 21-year-old daughter alive.

"Cathy was killed November 5th, 1988 by a drunk driver," Wilson said.

On the 21st anniversary of her daughter's death, Wilson remembers the horror and the agony that followed.

"We were so scared we wouldn't get to view her but we did, her face looked horrible, but to me she was the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen," she said.

At a summit in Jefferson City Wednesday, state leaders talked about people like Loretta Wilson, who suffered at the hands of drunk drivers.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor Morley Swingle was there, and he hopes the summit can bring about changes in DWI laws.

To avoid offenders who could be charges with felony DWI charges getting by with misdemeanors, Swingle says he proposed one centralized website that would allow agencies to share offenders prior histories, upcoming cases and be open to the public.

He also hopes lawmakers take away your right to refuse a breathalyzer.

"Right now in Missouri if you refuse the breath test you lose your driver's license for for a year."

Back at her home, Loretta Wilson says those changes would make a big difference.

"Somedays it feels like it's just happening, and somedays it feels like it's been years and years... the pain never goes away."

Morley Swingle says if all goes as planned, changes to DWI law could go into effect by august next year or sooner.

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