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Stricter Laws in the Works for Repeat DUI Offenders

by KREX News Room
by Taylor Kanost

Story Created: Feb 22, 2013 at 6:37 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 22, 2013 at 6:37 PM MDT

COLORADO The Colorado State Senate is working on a bill that would increase the penalty for multiple time DUI offenders from a misdemeanor to a felony.

The House Appropriations Committee passed the bill with a unanimous vote this week, and will now bring the bill forward to the entire State Senate.

Colorado is one of five states that does not have a felony conviction for DUIs.

If this bill passes, individuals charged a third DUI or DWAI conviction in a seven year period would receive a felony.

Along with that, the fourth DUI or DWAI charge in an individual's life would result in a felony as well.

Grand Junction attorney Greg Remmenga feels the bill is well put together, and doesn't go over the line.

"A person who makes a mistake, doesn't injure somebody, and is driving with their ability impaired I don't believe should necessarily have the same consequences as if they had hurt somebody or if they were a repeat offender and this was a consistent behavior," said Remmenga.

Others feel that the bill is actually doing more harm then good.

"It's a felony conviction, but you get a less strict sentence than you would on a third DUI under the current law right now," said Stephen Laiche, Attorney. "On a third DUI, as the law is set right now, you're looking at a minimum 60 days jail or work release sentence. Under this statute, while it makes it a felony, it doesn't give you any minimum, mandatory sentences that you have to serve."

Either way, Remmenga feels more is needed to decrease drunk driving numbers.

"Whether it's a felony or a misdemeanor, it still comes down to enforcement and if we are going to hire more police officers to enforce this, or is society going to get together and say this really is a serious problem and we need to do something about it."

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Homer said on Saturday, Feb 23 at 10:02 AM

!st time--5 yrs prison! 2nd time-- tree rope Problem solved.

andymob said on Saturday, Feb 23 at 9:13 AM

no it should not be a felony the first time...I think everybody deserves a second chance if they make a mistake..but not a 3rd 4th 5th etc...

What a Joke said on Saturday, Feb 23 at 2:35 AM

Driving under the influence of anything, including marijuana should be a felony the first time. And a mandatory prison sentence should be imposed.

Guest said on Friday, Feb 22 at 8:11 PM

Wow, elections have consequences. How about that?

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