I was stupid. I'm going to jail.

[Matthew Currie]

I think we should cut BruteXJ a little slack here at least for the moment. He is acknowledging responsibility and he is going to jail. It was of course a very stupid thing to do, and even stupider twice (not to mention all the uncounted times he probably drove drunk without being caught), but I don't suppose that's news, is it? We can at least hope that coming out in public with this is one of the ways he's coming to terms with his problems and avoiding denial. That takes a certain amount of courage, and I wish him success.

I'm speaking in the third person here, because I'm not sure whether he's going to be reading this, at least for while.

With that said, I hope that he realizes that what he did was not just stupid, but also wrong. A crime is more than just a dumb mistake. People these days seem to be in the habit of thinking that they've taken responsibility for their actions by admitting they made a mistake or did something stupid, and having said that they figure everyone else should just get over it. Let's hope that BruteXJ will go a little deeper into his problem than just to say "I did a dumb thing, now let's drop it." Time will tell.

On the subject of how impaired is impaired, I am reminded of an article I saw some 20 years ago in a motorcycle magazine. They decided to find out just that, by getting a group of their best test riders over the legal limit. They went out to a secluded place where nobody would get hurt and started them drinking, and ran slalom tests. Well before the legal limit was reached the guys were way drunk. By the time they were legally DWI they were really, truly, sh**faced, and most definitely unable to handle their bikes, even though they were about as expert as anyone could be. Some states have lowered the limit in the last few years, but it's still at a point where if you are DWI you are most definitely more than just a little buzzed. This is not about having a beer after work and driving home, or even about driving when you probably shouldn't be. It's about lethal irresponsibility.

 

[lost1]

BruteXJ I'm glad you're taking responsibility for this. I can't say I know what motivated you to do that, because I can't think of anything good enough to get behind the wheel, except perhaps the possible death of a loved one. even then...shaky ground.

I lost my fiancee a few years ago to a drunk driver, t-boned her right in front of me. She died right there. If it were up to me drunk driving would mean a revoked license for a long, long time, definite public service and jail time. Screw fines and all that other petty garbage. What it takes to teach a person thier lesson is not money, its realizing the cost of human life. I'm not trying to make you feel like shit on purpose. Just do me a favor and make sure no one you know ever gets the chance to drive drunk.

 

[stewie]

I was going to bite my tongue and left this thread. But, this isn't setting right with me. You posted, so take it like it or not. And, I don't give a damn who this p's off.

Ever know anyone killed by a DUI driver? I do. I also have a little girl out there on the road, thankfully not in your state. Unfortunately, we have our own irresponsible drivers, as well as the other 48 states. If it was up to me, I'd revoke your license for the rest of your life. Once, now that's a mistake. Or, how's it work... is it like being bankrupt; after so many years you get to start over? Ya, you F'd up alright. But, bet that beer sure was good. And hey, no one was killed, THAT'S GREAT! Hell, everything is alright, right?

And you members are so soft. I don't care if he setup your axles for you. Cause he's a fellow wheeler, you have sympathy? You're supposed to support safe wheeling, on and OFF the f'g road.

Have a great time in jail. Be thankful it wasn't ten years.

But... that's just my opinion, since we're all posting replies.

i agree 100% one LUCKY SOB since he didnt kill someone. too many other drunks have.

one beer or ten beers dosent matter. If your over the limit, your over the limit. PERIOD.

over the limit is over the limit. judges need to understand that.

I lost a dear family friend to a drunk driver when i was back in school. i have no sympathy for one who has put so may peoples lives in grave danger. ok, so he didnt kill anyone THIS time or LAST time. how many times does it take before he does??

HOWEVER, admitance is the first step to recovery. he has somewhat done so now- admited to the offence but not the problem. now hopefully he can get the help he needs- thats right, i will say it. get some help. alcohol adiction is a disease, and there are treatments available. so pick yourself up by the scruff of the neck, and regain your place as a useful member of society. you can do it and we are ALL here pushing for your recovery.

ps some may think i am a little harsh, but being the product of an alcoholic father and an alcoholic step-father, i know the grave seriousness of the situation.

 

[yardape]

With that said, I hope that he realizes that what he did was not just stupid, but also wrong. A crime is more than just a dumb mistake. People these days seem to be in the habit of thinking that they've taken responsibility for their actions by admitting they made a mistake or did something stupid, and having said that they figure everyone else should just get over it.

It's about lethal irresponsibility.

I could not agree more however I also think that this whole discussion is pitiful. While admitting his crime, BruteXJ is obviously feeling pretty sorry for himself and covertly asking for our sympathy for being placed behind bars. He does not deserve sympathy. Let him stew on it in his cell for a month. No postcards or letters from . A drunk driver is a timebomb that in a blink of an eye can become a killer. I hope his loss of freedom will motivate him to alter his lifestyle. I'm not saying that BruteXJ is a bad person sober but most alcoholics lead dual lives and the person on the other side can be irresponsibly vicious to themselves and the people around them. That includes those they made commitments to love.

 

[Gridikal]

I could not agree more however I also think that this whole discussion is pitiful. While admitting his crime, BruteXJ is obviously feeling pretty sorry for himself and covertly asking for our sympathy for being placed behind bars. He does not deserve sympathy. Let him stew on it in his cell for a month. No postcards or letters from . A drunk driver is a timebomb that in a blink of an eye can become a killer. I hope his loss of freedom will motivate him to alter his lifestyle. I'm not saying that BruteXJ is a bad person sober but most alcoholics lead dual lives and the person on the other side can be irresponsibly vicious to themselves and the people around them. That includes those they made commitments to love.

Hes not asking for your sympathy- just some reading material. He was not bragging nor boasting. He admitted fault and asked for no ones forgiveness. I doubt anyone who has posted knows him personally but hey it doesn't matter right? To me it does and I do know him personally- great guy... as well as his little wheelin buddy- great kid- whom he has now lost. Kevin has more or less hit the lowest of lows and will start over for the better I'm sure.

We all fawk shit up- get off your high-horse. Most people just don't get caught.

 

[Darky]

He screwed up, he admitted it. He's going to serve his time, hopefully he learns from it. All of you who want to talk all tough, look back at your own lives and see if you've ever done anything wrong. Then try and remember if you owned up to it. If you've always fessed up to every wrong thing, or have somehow lived a blameless life, feel free to throw stones, otherwise lay off a little bit. We all screw up, not all of us are willing to own up to our mistakes.

 

[yardape]

Hes not asking for your sympathy- just some reading material. He was not bragging nor boasting. He admitted fault and asked for no ones forgiveness. I doubt anyone who has posted knows him personally but hey it doesn't matter right? To me it does and I do know him personally- great guy... as well as his little wheelin buddy- great kid- whom he has now lost. Kevin has more or less hit the lowest of lows and will start over for the better I'm sure.

We all fawk shit up- get off your high-horse. Most people just don't get caught.

I'm not throwing stones,.... just being tough and yes there are times in my life I wish there had been someone tougher with me. Kids are prone to experiment however the indescretion of youth is normally and hopefully replaced by more mature behavior.

I work in a military hospital where I witness young men who've come back from Iraq dismembered, disfigured or with cavity walls blown out. Many of them would not be alive today if it were not for the protective body armor they wear. Its heartbreaking seeing 19 and 20 year old boys with their life before them having to deal with these incredible burdens. It really doesn't matter wether the carnage is caused by a bullet, IED or drunk driver. The effects are the same. As I have become older and had friends die or succumb to illness I have learned how precious and fleeting life is. You can't replace it, rarely patch it or fix it. It can be gone in the blink of an eye. No one has the right to put at risk the life and safety of another. I used to think that the organization MADD were a bunch of zealots. While I'm not one of them I have a much better understanding of their position than I used to.

You are a good friend and I do have sympathy for the place in life where Kevin is right now and I truly hope he finds himself in a better place after his incarceration. On the other hand, just as "friends don't let friends drive drunk," people should be held accountable for there actions. I truly wish Kevin a change in his luck and life. I am sure he has the power to make that happen.

 

[ckh550]

I always get furious when you hear drunk drivers say "this has ruined my life. I'll never recover. I can't believe I made this mistake."

I I I I. What about the lives you threatened and endangered? Are you that selfish? This mistake is about you, it's about EVERYONE ELSE. Yeah you could've killed yourself for your own mistake, but what if you had killed someone else? Someone's else daughter?

Serve your time you deserve. No sympathy from me.

Chris

 

[BruteXJ]

I always get furious when you hear drunk drivers say "this has ruined my life. I'll never recover. I can't believe I made this mistake."

I I I I. What about the lives you threatened and endangered? Are you that selfish? This mistake is about you, it's about EVERYONE ELSE. Yeah you could've killed yourself for your own mistake, but what if you had killed someone else? Someone's else daughter?

Serve your time you deserve. No sympathy from me.

Chris

You'll hear no complaints from me.
Nothing happened to me that I can't overcome.
I'm just thankful that I didn't do anything irrevocable to anyone else.
I'm fortunate enough to be back home tonight with a new perspective on life and my family. I respect the opinions of everyone who posted and I take no offense whatsoever. I understand that what I did was not just stupid and irresponsible, but a crime as well. Now, fortunately, I get a chance to move on and make things right.

I'll see you on the trail...from the passenger seat for a while.

-KP.

 

[5-90]

Now the big question - have you figured out why you did it... twice? Unless and until you manage to identify and attack the core issue (whatever it may be,) it's fairly likely you'll do it again... Neither you nor I would like to see that.

I've often been accused of Draconian attitudes toward DUI/DWI, but having had an uncle (dad's older brother) get splashed by a driver who was too drunk to walk, I suppose it's understandable. I'm not so sure about the new laws coming out (I used to sleep it off in the right seat and run the engine for a bit to get the heater going - apparently, now, that's a DUI as well. Have to keep a blanket, I guess...) but I do have issue with drunken drivers, and I often am inclined to think we're entirely too lenient.

Sorry - but you got 30 days for your second offense? I favour the Turkish model - they seem to acknowledge the danger more. First offence? You are taken 50 miles out of town and forced to walk back. It's fairly common to bump you from behind with the car to keep you moving - they don't allow you any breaks.

Second offence? Once it's confirmed, you are shot. On the spot. Problem solved - there are no third offences. Frankly, there aren't a whole Hell of a lot of second offences, come to think of it!

Perhaps the most effective solution would be somewhere in between ours and theirs, but "if you keep doing what you've always done you'll always get what you always got." It isn't working - witness the kid whose lawyer tried to get him off (posted by xjcrawlr.) I also am inclined to think Shakespeare had it right - "First thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." Everytime I see an advert of whatever sort for a DUI defender, I'm inclined to think he should go to jail as well - call me cranky.

Honestly, we could probably hold some 2/3 of our current laws in abeyance - the purpose of a system of laws, rules, and regulations is to protect the body politic and ensure its safety. Nothing more.

5-90

 

[BruteXJ]

Technically I was sentenced to 365 days in jail with 305 days suspended, 10 days mandatory sentence for the 2nd offense, 5 days additional mandatory for my BAC. VA takes off a certain percentage for good behavior right off the top (?). It worked out to the 7 days I served before bonding out and 31 additional days served. I'm not on official probation, but if I should do wrong before January 9th, 2007 I've got the rest of the 305 to serve. The statute calls for a 3-year suspension of my license. The judge only gave me 12 months, so that's still up in the air as far as legality. State-sponsored rehab was waived as I'm already attending a program and therapy through my employer.

I did not learn not to get caught.

I've learned a new way to live.

 

[Yucca-Man]

I always get furious when you hear drunk drivers say "this has ruined my life. I'll never recover. I can't believe I made this mistake."

I I I I. What about the lives you threatened and endangered? Are you that selfish?

We had a chase a few weeks ago; the driver bolted only because a deputy was in the turn lane behind him while heading to an unrelated call. In the process of running, he sped away at over 100mph, sometimes in oncoming lanes. Finally after leading deputies and local officers on a high-speed chase down I-25 and endangering more innocent motorists the fool finally flipped his car when taking a 45mph exit at nearly 100.

Even then, his coke/meth/pot-addle brain wasn't done; he managedto get out of the car and started running from the deputies. He was wearing a couple of jackets but no pants, and when they finally tackled him he went fetal without responding or even whimpering...

Two deputies tried to grab his arms and when he resisted they were forced to use approved restraint tactics to gain control of his arms and find out whether he was holding anything (gun, knife, etc) in his hands.

Unbelievably....shortly after her precious little baby was booked into jail on multiple charges, his momma went crying to the press about how "police brutality" almost cost her a son that night. No mention of the drugs in his system, or the erratic driving, or the dangerous behavior...I guess the apple didn't fall far from that tree, eh?

 

[Glenn B]

Technically I was sentenced to 365 days in jail with 305 days suspended, 10 days mandatory sentence for the 2nd offense, 5 days additional mandatory for my BAC. VA takes off a certain percentage for good behavior right off the top (?). It worked out to the 7 days I served before bonding out and 31 additional days served. I'm not on official probation, but if I should do wrong before January 9th, 2007 I've got the rest of the 305 to serve. The statute calls for a 3-year suspension of my license. The judge only gave me 12 months, so that's still up in the air as far as legality. State-sponsored rehab was waived as I'm already attending a program and therapy through my employer.

I did not learn not to get caught.

I've learned a new way to live.

Good luck to you

 

[Bent]

...I guess the apple didn't fall far from that tree, eh?

Is it just me? But the trees seem to be getting thick, not to mention the apples. It sure would be nice to find out where they're breeding.

 

[Grifter144]

brute xj, best of luck...

 

[MyJeepXJ]

Glad your time in the pokie is over, I was gonna send ya some snail mail, but you never to the best of my knowledge, posted an address.

Glad to have you back, the time will pass before you know it!

 

[mdl]

Glad your time in the pokie is over, I was gonna send ya some snail mail, but you never to the best of my knowledge, posted an address.

Glad to have you back, the time will pass before you know it!

page 1, first post

 

[MyJeepXJ]

page 1, first post

Damn. Didnt see the tree for the forrest.

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

I wish the very best of luck to you. My old man was an alcoholic for most of the time I spent growing up (i'm about to be 18 in just shy of 2 months). Most of my childhood memories of him involve a beer around him. His problem is what ended his marriage with my mom. That was the final wake-up call for him and he finally got his act together. I give him alot of credit for quitting on his own (on his own being w/o the help of a AA course or anything). Started to quit by drinking the non-alcoholic beverages. Once he didn't need the taste of alcohol to live any more and he got sick of the dull taste of the fake stuff he stopped all together. Hasn't touched a drop of any alcohol since about 1998.

Again I wish you the best of luck. You'll get things back to good again....don't give up.

 

[bjoehandley]

Glad to hear you're out Brute!