Last week the trial of Eric C. Truitt began on Monday in Superior Court. Truitt had been charged with Assault in the Second Degree and Harassment- Threats to Kill. The charges were the result of a beating of an ex-girlfriend on May 23, 2011, at his Onion Creek area home in northern Stevens County. After three days of trial, the jury deliberated and found Eric Truitt guilty on a lesser degree offense of Domestic Violence Assault in the Fourth Degree. Truitt faces punishment of up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 24 in Superior Court. Deputy Prosecutor Ken Tyndal represented the state in the prosecution of this case.

The legislature has strengthened the sanctions against those who drink and drive and cause crashes that kill. A bill passed the legislature and has gone to the Governor for signing which raises the penalty for Vehicular Homicide to the level of Manslaughter in the First Degree.

Prosecutors and Law Enforcement agencies joined with many legislators and other groups to urge the passage of the legislation. Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist, released the following statement. “A vehicle is a dangerous weapon, especially in the hands of a drunk, and tougher sentences are needed for drunks who kill with cars.”

Rep. Chris Hurst, who is Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, was also a police officer for 25 years. He said, “I’ve seen the terrible carnage at these collision scenes and know the immeasurable suffering of surviving family members because some idiot chose to drive drunk,” Hurst said. “It’s time that we made the punishment fit the crime.”

Senator David Frockt said. “Given the incredible number of public awareness campaigns after all these years on TV and radio, people know, or should know, how reckless a decision it is to drink and drive.”

The person who gets drunk and gets behind the wheel will now be held just as accountable as a person who loads a gun and pulls the trigger. Alcohol and vehicles do not mix. If you are going to drink, stay at home or have someone drive you home. If you get drunk and kill on the highways in Washington, you will now be treated like the killer you are. Finally.