WAMU 88.5
: News
Right now police are unable to use breathalyzers on suspected drunk drivers, and local lawmakers are growing frustrated by the delay.
But Deputy Attorney General Robert Hildum says rushing to get the program back up and running could result in more mistakes for the beleaguered program.
Despite calls from Council Member Phil Mendelson, Hildum refused to set any deadlines at a council hearing on the city's ongoing breathalyzer woes.
"As simplistic as it sounds that somebody blows into an instrument and it gives you a reading of their blood alcohol level, there is a lot more to it," Hildum says.
Because of the faulty machines, around 400 drunk driving convictions have been called into question. So far, 50 of these cases have been dismissed.
Hildum says right now prosecutors are relying on urine testing, eye-witness accounts and field sobriety tests to convict drunk drivers.
Where's Jimmy Hoffa? Everywhere And Nowhere
FBI agents believe they have a credible lead on the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa's body. If they're right, it will solve a longstanding mystery, which will also deflate Hoffa's resonance in popular culture.The Mystery Of the Ridiculously Pricey Bag Of Potatoes
Did a 10-pound bag of potatoes really cost $15 back in 2008? We get to the bottom of some puzzling numbers in the lawsuit alleging America's potato growers have become a spud cartel.House Passes Bill That Would Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks
The legislation is one of the most far-reaching abortion bills in decades and follows last month's murder convictions of Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell. The bill, which would ban nearly all abortions starting 20 weeks after fertilization, is unlikely to ever become law.Amazon Cuts Ties In Minnesota Ahead Of New Sales Tax
Amazon ends the contracts of people and businesses that are paid for sending customers to the retailer. The company has taken similar steps in other states that have passed laws like Minnesota's new sales tax legislation.Leave a Comment
Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.
-
Inspiration For Change
Metro Connection is looking for personal accounts of how inspiration happens. Tell us your story. more >> -
Deals For Developers
WAMU investigates city subsidies to developers and campaign contributions from the companies. more >> -
Beating The Odds
Beating the Odds is an annual series that features remarkable students seem destined to succeed despite... more >> -
Have A Child With Special Needs?
The Kojo Nnamdi Show is exploring the challenges faced by parents and would like to hear from you. more >> -
Aging and Abuse
With an aging population, elder abuse is expected to increase. We look at the complexities of elder abuse in... more >> -
Half The Battle
Jobs? Relationships? Bills? Why it is so hard for young vets transitioning home. An AU project. more >> -
Volunteer Recognition
The volunteer of the year award and special projects award are given to a WAMU 88.5 volunteer each year for... more >> -
Yesterday's Dropouts
This series examines the struggles adults face after they leave school without a diploma. more >> -
New Bible
Bill Cain isn't just an award-winning playwright; he's also a Jesuit priest. And he brings the two together... more >> -
Public Insight
Share your knowledge and insights about timely issues with journalists from WAMU 88.5 more >> -
In-Kind Donation Program
By providing an in-kind donation, you may be eligible for a tax deduction, without a cash commitment, and... more >> -
Follow Us On Twitter
To get the latest local stories from WAMU 88.5 News, follow us on Twitter. more >>
