Laučius appeals driving ban and car-value confiscation

Political scientist and journalist Vladimir Laučius says the penalties imposed after he drove while intoxicated are disproportionate, as the Vilnius Regional Court began hearing his appeal on Tuesday, LRT reports.

Laučius is asking the court to reduce as much as possible the period he is barred from driving and the amount of money to be confiscated. He argues that the car he drove belongs to a leasing company.

“The court failed to assess the case material and made a formal decision. The criminal sanctions imposed are clearly too harsh and do not meet the principle of proportionality,” his appeal says. Laučius also says he cooperated with police, did not dispute the breathalyser reading and is determined not to commit further traffic offences.

The hearing is partly public and partly closed. Laučius’s lawyer, Egidija Belevičienė, said the case would discuss family finances, loans, income and family life. The court heard testimony from his guarantor, his former wife Loreta Laučiuvienė. Closing arguments are scheduled for October 23.

In July, the Vilnius City District Court released Laučius from criminal liability under a one-year surety arrangement, with his former wife as guarantor, and terminated the case. It also barred him from driving for two years and six months, ordered him to take part in alcohol prevention programmes for one year and required him to pay 20,670 euros, corresponding to the value of the car.

Laučius previously admitted guilt and expressed regret. He said he had been drinking after learning of scientist Darius Alekna’s death, while police records state that he had been drinking after an argument with his wife.

Police said Laučius was stopped at about 5.31pm on May 31 while driving a Toyota RAV4 on Blindžių Street in Vilnius. A breath test recorded an alcohol concentration of 2.32 per mille.