Colorado’s recent felony DUI expansion was brought to bear in a very real way recently, during the sentencing of a man who had numerous prior DUI convictions across several states. The defendant was appearing to face his ninth DUI charge in Colorado.
The district attorney handling the case took the opportunity to make an example of the man, claiming that the man had “demonstrated over and over that he will not stop driving while intoxicated.” The DA also expressed that the man was just such a case that justified the expansion, stating that the case was “a classic example of why we need the felony DUI charge in Colorado.”
It is true that repeated dangerous behavior should be dealt with prudently, for the safety of both the driver and others on the road. However, even those who seem like textbook examples of why we have laws in place deserve a strong defense. When charges are levied against an individual who has prior violations on his or her record, there can be a tendency on the part of the prosecution to smell blood in the water and feel justified in seeking harsher punishments than are necessary. A strong defense regularly seeks to have charges dismissed, but it can also mean fighting to ensure that a defendant who is exceptionally vulnerable to harsh sentencing is not made to unfairly suffer simply because they are an easy target.
If you have been charged with any kind of crime, you absolutely deserve a strong defense. No matter what you may be accused of doing, you are a person who deserves to be treated with dignity. The representation of an experienced attorney can help you face serious charges confidently, knowing that your rights will remain protected and your case will be heard fairly.
Source: The Denver Post, “Thornton man sentenced to 6 years in prison for 9th DUI,” Jan. 27, 2017