WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Prosecutors Call for Tougher Penalties After Man's 5th DUI Arrest

Prosecutors Call for Tougher Penalties After Man's 5th DUI Arrest

White River Jct. Vermont - November 24, 2009

A Cavendish man was in court today to answer to his fifth drunk driving charge. And, some prosecutors say the potential penalty for repeat drunk drivers is not enough.

29-year-old Randolph Benson was arrested Monday evening. According to court papers, he had a blood alcohol level of .118. Benson has already been convicted on four other drunk driving charges.

Under current Vermont law, if convicted, Benson could be punished up to five years in jail, because he has had three or more convictions. However, there is no enhanced penalty for drunk drivers beyond their third offense.

State's Attorney Robert Sand did not comment directly on the Benson case, however he did say that he thinks the penalty for repeat drunk drivers should be stiffer.

"We have seen enough multiple DUI offenders four, five, six, seven, and beyond that I think the time has come to change the penalty for those recidivist drunk drivers and to increase the penalty beyond the five year cap. I propose a 15 year cap for the fourth offense and quite frankly a life possible sentence for DUI 5 and beyond," said Windsor County Prosecutor Robert Sand.

Benson is currently being held on $5,000 bail. He is also charged with violating conditions of release and driving with a suspended license.