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ACLU Criticizes DWI Warning Program ; Reports to Hot Line Will Prompt Letters
- Article from:
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Albuquerque Journal
- Article date:
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July 3, 2008
- Author:
- Copyright 2008 Albuquerque Journal By Dan Boyd Journal Capitol Bureau
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Copyright informationCopyright 2008 Albuquerque Journal. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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SANTA FE -- A new state program aimed at delivering a written
warning to motorists who may drive while under the influence of
alcohol but haven't been caught is drawing criticism from the state
chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
George Bach, staff attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico, said the
practice of sending letters to the owners of automobiles reported to
New Mexico's DrunkBuster's anti-DWI hot line could lead to innocent
people coming under government scrutiny.
"This is basically statesponsored vigilantism," Bach said
Wednesday.
About 16,000 calls were placed to the anti-DWI hot line (877-394-
4258; convenience key for cell phones is #394) last year to report
possible ...