In my opinion, the problem is not with the DUI laws, but the other laws. I understand the necessity for several reasons to allow criminals to plea down - financial, time, etc. - but that's where the problem lies. The same thing can happen with DUI, plea down to reckless driving. Anyway, if you get a DUI and have to wait 5 years to get your HCP, don't look to me for sympathy.
Yea, there definitely is a certain stigma attached to a DUI. But for good reason. Though I'm not sure that I see it personally as being worse than domestic violence. I have pretty big problem with some overgrown child beating on his wife too. Both are pretty big jackasses in my book.
Amen to that. Very very few people get caught their first time. I can respect someone who honestly makes it his last though.