Story Created: Feb 26, 2010 at 5:39 PM MDT
Story Updated: Feb 26, 2010 at 7:05 PM MDT
Nicholas Sparks
Police say the arrest happened at 8th and Bannock, in downtown Boise, early Friday morning. They're charging Nicholas Sparks with a felony DUI, a man who's already been arrested for two DUI's.
Boise police say they caught Sparks drunk, behind the wheel of his parked vehicle, with a half-dressed woman on his lap. This is Sparks' third DUI arrest.
Just earlier this week, KBOI 2 News reported how Jessica Boehlke was arrested for her fourth DUI.
Idahoans like Lisa Hansen, say DUI offenders like Sparks should be kicked off the road.
"They absolutely shouldn't be driving," Hansen said. "There's no reason for that to go on."
But legally, they can drive, after serving some time and depending on the DUI.
John Alegria, defense attorney, tells KBOI 2 News first time offenders are likely to walk away with about 40 hours of community service, 30 days without a license and up to $1,000 in fines, which is not enough.
"I think first time offenders should be treated more harshly," Alegria said.
Alegria says second time offenders are likely to get two to five days in jail, with 90 to 120 days work release and no license for one year.
"(We should,) make the penalties very severe, six months in jail, (on the) first offense," Alegria said.
He says a third time DUI offender is likely to get a minimum 30 days in jail, with 90 days to six months work release and up to five years without a license.
Here in Idaho, Alegria says there isn't a circumstance where a license is taken away for good.
"Instead of fines, you actually have to stop them from driving and the only way to do that is to lock them up," Hansen said.
And others agree, stiffer penalties need to be handed out.
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