That’s why some people are shocked that a state lawmaker is proposing that first-time drunken driving offenders in Texas get acquitted of the offense instead of a conviction, if they meet certain criteria.

"To be acquitted, I mean that's like slapping them on the wrist," said Jennifer Gomez.

State Rep. Todd Smith, R-Euless, has filed a proposal that would allow deferred adjudication, if those accused complete supervision and treatment.

It's a move even Mothers Against Drunk Driving supports.

"The goal is to really address the issue of offenders that may be addicted to alcohol, that need some rehabilitation," said Virginia Gonzalez, Executive Director of MADD West Texas Affiliate.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys also support the idea because they believe the plan will ease the thousands of cases backed up in court.

"Right now there seem to be numerous cases where DWIs are either getting reduced or dismissed all together and with this type of legislation this would help push those through," Gonzalez said.

Gomez said she still does not agree with the move.

"There's too many accidents and what are you teaching people out there," Gomez said.

KFOX also spoke to Grace Talamantes, the mother of Valerie Talamantes, who was killed by a drunken driver on Dec. 29, 2007.

"If this is going to help them rehabilitate themselves to be better people, then yes, I would support it," said Talamantes.

However she believed the proposal is not fair to families who have lost loved ones to drunken drivers.

"In my personal opinion, no. I don't think it's fair. I think they need to experience what needs to be done so that they can learn and to know that what they did was wrong," Talamantes said.