FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE (May 23, 2018 – Hagåtña)
This afternoon the Legislature passed Bill No. 203-34 (LS) which will allow for the establishment of a DWI (Driving While Impaired) Treatment Court program to support the Judiciary’s efforts to reduce recidivism for medium and high-risk offenders, through the implementation of therapeutic treatment for addiction and rehabilitation.

Bill No. 203-34 (LS), referred to as the “Safe Streets Act of 2018”, was introduced by Vice Speaker Therese Terlaje and was initially drafted by the Judiciary of Guam’s DWI Treatment Court Executive Committee, Office of the Attorney General, Guam Public Defender Service Corporation, Alternative Public Defender, Office of Highway Safety Department of Public Works, Guam Police Department Guam Highway Patrol, Compiler of Laws, Department of Revenue and Taxation, and Department of Corrections.

The legislation continues to make it unlawful to drive while impaired by alcohol or controlled substance, or while having a blood alcohol content of .08 percent, or to drive under the influence of any substance that impairs a person’s physical or mental capabilities. The legislation also continues to mandate imprisonment, fines, and penalties for driving while impaired. Through the new Safe Streets Act of 2018, the DWI Treatment Court will be able to use tools like the breath alcohol ignition interlock device, penalties, and driving privileges to ensure DWI offenders are monitored and sentenced appropriately.

Terlaje stated, “These enhancements to the current law will give the Judiciary the tools it requested to properly address Driving While Impaired so that appropriate sanctions, incentives and therapeutic interventions are utilized to balance public safety concerns and stop repeated offenses of driving while impaired.”

For more information, please call the Office of Vice Speaker Therese M. Terlaje at (671) 472-3586.