
The 2015 Colorado felony DUI bill that is advancing in the state legislature could change the penalties for multiple DUIs in a big way. Here’s how.
A Colorado felony DUI bill (HB15-1043) that was presented to the House on February 5th was passed in a unanimous vote, which means that this bill will continue to proceed through the state legislature (making its way next to the House Finance Committee).
While there has been much support for this Colorado DUI bill, however:
- It has a long way to go before it’s passed into law, and various amendments may be made to it in the process.
- As it sits, the significant costs of enforcing it are just one of the concerns that opponents have had with this bill.
To shed some more light at what’s at stake, in this two-part blog series, we will take a closer look at the general provisions, costs and opposition related to the 2015 Colorado felony DUI bill. Should you be more concerned about defending yourself against DUI charges and favorably resolving your case, however, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted Adams County and Boulder DUI attorney at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates.
2015 Colorado Felony DUI Bill: The Provisions
Here’s a little background on what the 2015 Colorado felony DUI bill proposes. If passed without amendment (i.e., as it sits now), this bill would allow prosecutors to file Class 4 felony charges when:
- A third DUI charge is filed against a person within 7 years and certain aggravating factors (such as injuries, death, BACs ≥ 0.15, etc.) are associated with the case
- A fourth DUI charge is filed against a person in his lifetime.
Additionally, the 2015 Colorado felony DUI bill would extend the requirement related to ignition interlock devices from one year to two years (with an option to up this extension to five years in certain DUI cases).
Proponents of this 2015 Colorado felony DUI bill have generally contended that:
- Harsher charges and penalties are needed for repeat DUI offenders in Colorado.
- Colorado is one of five states in which prosecutors can only file DUI charges as misdemeanors.
For a closer look at the opposition to the 2015 Colorado felony DUI bill, be sure to look for the second part of this blog series that will be posted soon.
Adams County and Boulder DUI Attorney at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates
Have you been charged with DUI? If so, an experienced Adams County and Boulder DUI attorney at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates is here for you, ready to immediately start defending you. Our primary concern is protecting your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process while helping you obtain the best possible outcome to your case.
To talk about your defense and find out more about how we can help you, call us today at (720) 863-7755 or email us using the contact form on this page. We offer complimentary consultations, and we take pride in always being available to our clients – 24 hours per day, 7 days per week – so that they have the personal attention their case deserves.
From our offices based in Northglenn, Broomfield and Boulder, we provide the strongest defense and highest quality legal services to our clients throughout Weld County, Adams County and the state of Colorado.