Court hears Laučius appeal over drunk-driving penalties

Vilnius Regional Court heard journalist and political scientist Vladimir Laučius’s appeal on Friday, with a decision due on November 18, LRT reported. Laučius is seeking a shorter driving ban and a reduction in the sum to be confiscated.

His lawyer, Egidija Belevičienė, argued that the more than 20,000 euros ordered to be recovered from her client was disproportionate, particularly because the car he drove belongs to a leasing company. She asked the court to consider his remorse and positive character references, and to shorten his two-and-a-half-year driving ban because he needs a vehicle for work and to help relatives.

Laučius told the court that the confiscation amount was not appropriate and that the first-instance court should have considered his family’s financial situation. He said he might have to borrow money if the ruling remained unchanged, and promised not to drive after drinking again.

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

Laučius had admitted guilt and expressed remorse. He previously said he drank after learning of the death of scientist Darius Alekna. Police records cited in the case said he had consumed alcohol after an argument with his wife.

Police said Laučius was stopped while driving a Toyota RAV4 in Vilnius on May 31 at about 5:31 p.m. A breath test found 2.32 per mille of alcohol.