Smith for Congress
104 Rock Bridge Road
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 699-8683
http://www.harrianne2008.com

DOTHAN EAGLE

FEBRUARY 25, 2008
By: Matt Elofson

State Officials Propose Felony Chase Law

It’s exciting, but not in a pleasurable way. Your adrenaline gets pumping, and as your heart rate jumps so does the fear factor. ...

Reichert was one of more than a dozen law enforcement officers gathered at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Monday to announce the introduction of a new bill by Sen. Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb. Attorney General Troy King and Houston County District Attorney Doug Valeska both spoke in favor of changing eluding law enforcement from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Smith, the bill’s sponsor, planned to introduce the bill as legislators returned to session Monday. ...

“I remember the first pursuit I got in to this day, and that was eight years ago, you don’t forget it,” Reichert said. “Every intersection you worry whether this guy is going to kill somebody.”

If the proposed bill passes. eluding law enforcement becomes a felony and the sentence could become much more severe, which would include a possible sentence of one to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Valeska cited two recent Houston County high-speed pursuits which resulted in the deaths of two people, including a 15-year-old girl. Phillip Lutz and Robert Wills both are charged with murder and misdemeanor attempting to elude law enforcement in those cases.

Smith called the bill her number one agenda item. She said she hopes the new law will act as a deterrent, especially with the increased penalty.

For Full Article: http://www.dothaneagle.com/gulfcoasteast/dea/local_news.apx.-content-articles-DEA-2008-02-25-0018.html