Texas County to Name Drunk Drivers on Twitter

[sonias]

PC World 12/24/09
Texas County to Name Drunk Drivers on Twitter

If you get busted for drunk driving in Montgomery County, Texas, this holiday season, your neighbors may hear about it on Twitter.

That's because the local district attorney's office has decided to publish the names of those charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

County Vehicular Crimes Prosecutor Warren Diepraam came up with the idea as a way of discouraging residents from getting behind the wheel while drunk. "It's not a magic bullet that's going to end DWIs, but its something to make people think twice before they get behind the wheel of a car and drive while they're intoxicated," he said.

(snip)
A "person who's been arrested is still innocent unless proven guilty," said Houston defense attorney Paul Kennedy in a blog posting. "My question is should the DA dismiss a case against a motorist or should a motorist be acquitted by a jury of his peers, will Mr. Diepraam offer a public apology on Twitter as well?"

:shrug:

Sonia

[GOPisEvil]

1. Convicted, I wouldn't mind. But charged? Presumption of innocence anyone?

I think the TCRP or ACLU should get an injunction pronto.

[sonias]

2. Haven't seen either one of them chiming in yet

I guess they need a client first.

Sonia

[JonQ]

4. Agreed

I kind of like the idea of public shaming, mostly because it's cheap and seems to be effective. But only if they are actually guilty.

[Tejas]

3. Nothing but "attention whores", usually takes

filing a Freedom of Info to get anything out've them. Go figure!