Thirteen is considered by many to be an unlucky number. A Colorado man who was recently arrested for the 13th time on charges of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and driving under the influence (DUI) might well agree.
The Jefferson County man was riding a motorcycle down Interstate 70 when a state trooper lit up behind him. After he was arrested, he spoke with a TV reporter by phone from jail. He was asked if the new, tougher law for repeat offenders is an effective deterrent. He said he doesn’t think that “making it a felony is going to change anything.”
Of course, he was speaking from jail with a baker’s dozen alcohol-related arrests on his record. It wouldn’t make much sense for him to say the new law is a deterrent. If he was driving while drunk, it’s pretty clear that the possibility of being sentenced to up to 6 years in state prison and fined up to $500,000 didn’t deter him.
He acknowledged to the reporter that drunken driving is a serious offense, but apparently spoke off-camera about how many people need alcohol abuse treatment and assistance with mental health issues.
Many mental health experts have addressed the dangers of depression and self-medication. Some suffering from depression try to cure themselves by medicating themselves with alcohol and other substances. “Unfortunately, these attempts at self-medication are dangerous and can cause far greater problems than simply getting treatment from trained medical personnel,” Healthline.com notes.
Those self-medication dangers include possible serious health issues, as well as legal problems such as DUI and DWAI arrests. If you face either charge, a Denver attorney experienced in drunk driving defense can help you sort through your legal options and then help you pursue the best possible outcomes at the DMV and in negotiations with prosecutors and in court.