Currently, Colorado is one of only four states where having more than one Driving Under the Influence, Drunk Driving, or DUI conviction is not a felony. According to current laws, the punishment for the first DUI arrest is a misdemeanor, just like a fourth or even tenth conviction. This is something Colorado lawmakers are trying to change. In fact, it is a Weld County state representative who is pushing for harsher penalties when it comes to multiple DUI offenses.
What Are These Proposed Harsher DUI Punishments?
The proposed law would make a third DUI within a seven-year time span, or a fourth DUI during any time frame a class 4 felony. One reason the state representative is pushing so hard for this law: there are many drivers in Weld County with 10 or more DUI arrests.
Another punitive measure would be extending the time period a person convicted of a DUI would have to have the interlock device installed in their vehicle. This device prohibits anyone from operating their vehicle if they are under the influence of alcohol. It requires a breath sample prior to allowing the engine to start and will require periodic breath samples while driving as well. Currently in Greeley, Windsor and Johnstown, the law limits the time a person is required to have this device on their vehicle to two years. This bill would increase the time frame to five years.
DUI Felony Charge Bill: Not the First Time on the Table
This year is not the first time this bill has been proposed to Colorado lawmakers. Last year it was shot down because of funding and financial worries. By making a DUI a class 4 felony, the state has to take on the expenses of confining people to the Department of Corrections. This fiscal responsibility is not something the State of Colorado was willing to take on last year, when the bill was first proposed.
We will just have to wait and see what the Colorado lawmakers decide to do this year.
Since our attorneys only practice criminal defense, we know DUI law well. When your driver’s license and job are on the line in Weld, Morgan or Logan County, call us first at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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