By Randal Edgar
Journal staff writer

A Democrat who hopes to be the state's next attorney general is calling for tougher penalties for drunk drivers.

Stephen R. Archambault, a Smithfield Town Council member, unveiled a "four-point plan" Monday that he says would "better equip" the state "to combat the serious problem of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Archambault's plan calls for the state to:

• Make it a felony to drive under the influence with a child 15 or under in the car, with penalties of up to four years in prison and significantly tougher if a child is injured or killed

• Require an interlock device to be installed after a first offense if the driver's blood-alcohol content is 1.5 or above and require the such devices after all second offenses

• Require mandatory alcohol and drug counseling classes for drivers found to be using drugs or alcohol while driving recklessly.

• Provide drug recognition training for state police officers to help them identify people who are under the influence of drugs.

Archambault, a lawyer and member of the Smithfield Town Council member, has worked as a police officer, a prosecutor and defense lawyer, according to a news release he issued to announce his plan.