Bill Introduced to Toughen Hit and Run Penalties

01/14/2011
Today Senator Tom Holland, State Representative Paul Davis and Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced the introduction of a House Bill which would toughen the penalties for the crime of leaving the scene of an accident or what is commonly referred to as a hit and run accident. After meeting with family members in two Lawrence incidents, Davis and Branson started looking to make changes in the traffic laws. In both cases, suspected drunk drivers left the scene of fatality accidents. Under current law, those drivers could only be charged and convicted of leaving the scene of an accident which under most situations results in short jail terms and probation. "This serious deficiency in the law needs to be fixed immediately. The families of these victims have endured a terrible tragedy. I hope the Legislature will act quickly so that justice will prevail in the event that this ever happens again," advised Davis. Branson added, "These drivers are attempting to avoid a DUI conviction and they are willing to take the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident. We have to strengthen our laws so that there are real consequences for their actions and take away their incentive to run from the law." Under current Kansas statute if someone is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving the death of a person, it is a level nine felony. Depending on a defendant's criminal history he or she could face probation. Under the proposed bill, the same crime would become a level five person felony and the defendant would then face a minimum of 31 months in prison. The bill also increases sentences for hit and runs involving great bodily harm and it contains multiple other updates. Jeff Stolz, the brother-in-law of Rachel Leek and Ryan Crum, the son of Thomas Crum, both spoke at today's announcement. Mr. Thomas Crum and Ms. Leek were both tragically killed in Lawrence by defendants who were suspected of driving under the influence and later convicted of leaving the scene of an accident. Mr. Stolz stated, "When an accident occurs, stop and consider what the right thing do is and in this case it is to administer aid and if nothing else to call 911." Mr. Crum added, "Not everybody will do the right thing, even in a fatality accident. I want a law on the books that has severe enough penalties that would force people to do the right thing, to render assistance or to call 911." Contact Information: Senator Tom Holland State Capital, 134E Topeka, KS 66612 Tom.Holland@senate.ks.gov Representative Paul Davis State Capital, 359-South Topeka, KS 66612 paul.davis@house.ks.gov Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson 111. E 11th, Unit 100 Lawrence, KS 66604 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com -30-

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Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com