ND Legislature looks to make punishment for DUI on drugs the same as alcohol DUIs

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — People accused of hurting or killing someone while driving on drugs could have the same enhanced penalties as people who drive drunk.

The bill in the North Dakota Legislature says if you kill someone while driving drunk or high, prosecutors could charge you with criminal vehicular homicide.

Serious injury cases would be charged with felony criminal vehicular injury.

With a child in the car, you could get a class A misdemeanor.

The bill also increases the penalties and fines for each charge.

Also, if you get another DUI within 15 years, you’ll have to pay $2,000 and could get a year and a day in jail.

“Marijuana can be in your system a long period of time and you could test hot and absolutely not be impaired,” said Aaron Birst, executive director for the North Dakota Association of Counties. “Which is the reason why prosecutors and law enforcement have not wanted to do, like, a per se level like we do with alcohol. A per se level on marijuana would be disasterous.”

The committee made no motions for or against the bill during the hearing.