Angelo Dinardo, Cambridge District Court Chief Probation Officer, is addressing the students at the Belmont Hill School.

Students are listening to Dinardo's presentation in the school's chapel on campus.

State Police Sergeant Mike Crosby is demonstrating a roll-over (car accident) on campus.

 

Cambridge District Court Chief Probation Officer Angelo Dinardo and Probation Officer Thomas Greeley delivered a message on safety, Melanie’s Law and the legal repercussions of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to juniors and seniors during a Pre-Prom presentation at Belmont Hill School - a private, all-boys school in Belmont.

 

Melanie’s Law was named for a 13-year-old Marshfield girl named Melanie Powell who was killed by a repeat drunk driver in 2003. Signed into law in October 2005, Melanie’s law stiffens the penalties for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and for anyone who refuses to take a breath-alcohol test.

 

The presentation also featured Attorney Peter Bellotti as well as a simulated accident and car roll-over demonstrated by State Police Sergeant Michael Crosby on the school’s campus.

 

Chief Probation Officer Dinardo told the audience there is “no reason at all for young people to die on our highways.”

 

He explained that a car driven with excessive speed “becomes a lethal weapon.”

 

Probation Officer Greeley warned the audience that an OUI arrest has a lasting effect.

 

“You are not only affecting yourselves, you are affecting your families, work, school, and future career. Melanie’s Law increases the penalty,” Greeley said.

 

He added,” Keep in mind, a license is a privilege, not a right.”