The stakes concerning receiving a DUI may be upped if a bill proposing a felony DUI in Colorado is passed. House Bill 1214 would make it a felony for any individual receiving a DUI with two prior DUI convictions in the past seven years.
As Colorado is only one of four states not currently without such a law, we can expect a great deal of public support for such a measure. Though it does not appear that a felony conviction will necessarily increase the sentence of those convicted, it would probably reduce the chances of early release concerning conviction penalties.
Other conditions for those convicted will likely be imposed. These conditions could include attending a driving safety program related to alcoholism or drug abuse, court ordered alcohol monitoring, and the installation of an interlock ignition device for a longer period of time.
With stiff penalties for subsequent convictions, this means that even a first time conviction for DUI will have additional significance. Individuals may find themselves penalized more harshly for past convictions that came about because of a plea deal that the accused individual had made.
We can expect this trend of increasingly more stringent penalties for drinking related offenses to continue. It’s for this specific reason that individuals may wish to consult with a criminal defense attorney that regularly assists those accused of a DUI – even if this is the first time that person has been charged with DUI.
Every conviction may ultimately bring along with it lifelong consequences.
Source: Our Colorado News, “Felony DUI law gains momentum,” by Vic Vela, Feb. 27, 2013
Our Denver DUI defense lawyers can defend those charged with Colorado drunk driving offenses.