Quantico DWI Policy Ruled Unconstitutional, Marines Have A Few Drinks To Celebrate
MCLEAN, VA - After instituting a get-tough policy on drunk drivers at the Quantico Marine Corps base, commanders believed they would be ridding the roads of drunk drivers. Instead, they've found themselves in the crosshairs of a federal lawsuit. According to the Marine Corps Times, a federal judge "has now tossed out five DWI cases against Marines after ruling that their constitutional rights were violated."
Marines onboard Quantico were quite satisfied with the ruling. With beer in hand, Lance Corporal Ethan Thomas was elated.
"It feels pretty good to know that we won't be charged with double jeopardy if we get caught driving out there," said Thomas. "Anybody want to go into D.C.? I'll drive."
The ruling means Quantico officials have had to change their policy regarding drunk drivers. The original policy meant that Marines could face non-judicial punishment as well as trial in civilian courts. Now, commanders will have to choose.
"Marines are held to a higher standard," said Judge Advoca…
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