California state lawmaker John Benoit has sponsored legislation that would suspend a California driver’s license when an individual is convicted of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In the mid-90’s the California Department of Motor Vehicles began suspending the privilege to drive a vehicle following a BUI conviction. That action was stopped following a 2008 decision by the California Court of Appeals that the DMV lacked the authority to do so. Senate Bill 154 aims to reinstate the license suspension penalty. The legislation calls for the DMV to suspend driving privileges for those with a prior conviction for California DUI or BUI when found guilty of a subsequent offense. Offenders would also be required to complete an alcohol education program.

State records show that approximately one quarter of all deaths on California waterways involves alcohol impairment. Benoit issued a press release stating, “My legislation reflects the seriousness of BUI offenses, protecting the safety of travelers on California’s streets, highways and waterways.” The bill was passed by the Senate in late May and received support from the Assembly Committee on Public Safety last week. It is now scheduled for review by the full Assembly.

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Ronald Belisario, reliever for the LA Dodgers baseball team, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in California. Belisario was stopped near his Pasadena apartment by California Highway Patrol around 2:30 am for talking on his cell phone. He was arrested after showing “symptoms of possible alcohol intoxication”. Belisario was reportedly cooperative during the arrest and booking at the Pasadena Police Department.

The 26-year old relief pitcher is from Venezuela. He signed with the Dodgers last January as a free agent, after pitching two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Dodgers organization expressed disappointment in the CA DUI arrest and offered to provide any help they can. Coach Joe Torre felt it best for Belisario to seek legal guidance from a California DUI defense lawyer before commenting on the situation.

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Stephen Eugene Galiher, a major personality with TBN, has pleaded guilty to two counts of felony California DUI. In late April 2009 Galiher was reportedly driving in excess of 85 miles per hour in a company owned BMW on an Orange County freeway when he smashed into another vehicle.

Investigating California Highway Patrol officers said Galiher had a strong odor of alcohol and that his eyes were red and bloodshot. The pastor admitted to having consumed two glasses of red wine prior to the 10:00 pm accident. Galiher failed several field sobriety tests and was booked on two counts of driving under the influence in California.

Galiher is the head pastor of the Trinity Music City Church, a place of worship at the Christian theme park owned by TBN in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Just four days before the accident, Galiher appeared in ‘Behind the Scenes’, a show where TBN head Paul Crouch visits with his many ministers.

In late May Galiher entered a plea of guilty in Orange County Superior Court to California DUI with injury and CA DUI with a BAC in excess of .08% with injury. He is scheduled to be sentenced next December and he is free on $100,000 bail. Galiher remains in the employ of TBN. His 70-year old victim remains hospitalized, unable to walk, with four broken ribs, a broken arm, a broken leg and pins in his vertebrae.

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The under-secretary in charge of adult and juvenile prisons and parolees in California has been charged with driving under the influence. Scott Kernan, 47, was driving a state vehicle when he was stopped by the California Highway Patrol for speeding in rural Sacramento County. His blood alcohol content reportedly was above the legal limit of .08%.

Kernan was appointed to the California Corrections department in November 2008. A spokesperson with the department said that Kernan was on personal leave pending discipline. He could be temporarily suspended or lose his job. Kernan has issued no comment, except to express remorse to his superiors for his actions.

Kernan is scheduled to be arraigned on charges of California DUI on July 16.

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Thomas Newell was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence in Northern California following a tip from another motorist. Newell was observed driving recklessly in his Mercedes-Benz by an off-duty firefighter. Responding California Highway Patrol officers suspected the influence of drugs and booked the defendant at the Sonoma County jail.

Newell, 53, is the supervisor in the Department of Health Services of the Sonoma County drug and alcohol services division. The program targets drunk driving offenders by offering addiction rehabilitation.

A blood sample was drawn though the results of toxicology tests will not be known for several weeks. Newell reportedly said he was taking pain killers for chronic pain from five knee surgeries and a hip replacement. A spokesperson said Newell is on leave from work, and made no further comments.

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