AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - After more than a dozen OVI-related convictions, an Austintown man has been arrested again.

 

This time, 61-year old David Black is accused of rear-ending a vehicle carrying disabled passengers last week, then driving off.

 

Eventually, police found Black didn't have a valid license but did have OVI offenses dating back to 1977.

 

"This is an issue for the legislature," says Valley attorney Sean Logue, adding that simply locking a repeat offender up and throwing away the key isn't as simple as it sounds.

 

"The penalties rack up, one two and three, the third offense in 10 years could mean a state prison sentence. But if we get past that 10 year period, the penalties essentially begin again," says Logue.

 

 

There are other factors to consider too - including judiciary discretion, where you live, and even the influence of lobbyists.

 

"They (lawmakers) actually set up sentencing commissions and they bring in all kinds of experts and stakeholders to give their opinion on what an adequate sentence would be," Logue said. 

 

He does, however, suggest a way for the public to be heard.

 

"If you don't like the way it's done, you may want to contact your state senator or representative and tell them perhaps some kind of 16-time, lifetime ban or something needs to be created."

 

Meanwhile, David Black is due back in court on June 30.