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The Colorado felony DUI bill (HB-1043) that is currently making its way through the state legislature has recently been revised. Here’s a look at the changes.
The Colorado felony DUI bill (HB-1043) that is currently making its way through the state legislature has recently been revised, with some of its provisions weakened in an effort to address cost concerns and appease the opposition to this bill.
In particular, the revisions to the Colorado felony DUI bill have resulted in:
- Felony charges no longer being applicable to 3rd DUIs (regardless of whether certain aggravated factors apply to a specific case).
- Fourth and subsequent DUI charges being eligible to be filed as Class 4 felonies (punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison).
Impacts of the Changes to the Colorado Felony DUI Bill
With the revisions that precluded third DUIs from being felonies, the most significant impact at this point seems to be in the costs associated with enforcing this Colorado felony DUI bill if it becomes law.
In fact, while the previous version of the bill was estimated to cost $2.4 million the first year and as much as $17.5 million by 2018, the recent changes have significantly slashed these costs, which are now estimated to be:
- Approximately $1.5 million during the first year (representing a nearly 38 percent cut in first-year costs)
- Approximately $8 million over the next three or so years (representing a more than 54 percent cut in the three-year projected costs).
Were the Changes Enough? Some Say No…
While the financial impacts of the changes to the Colorado felony DUI bill seem promising, some contend that these recent revisions are simply not enough. Specifically, there is a persisting concern that the Colorado felony DUI bill, as it currently sits, does not provide treatment options for people convicted of felony DUIs.
Given that people who are getting fourth, fifth, and subsequent DUIs likely have a problem with alcohol, this opposition is focused on making sure that the Colorado felony DUI bill will fully address the issues in these cases – both the criminal offense and the likely underlying alcoholism.
Whether revisions to this end will end up making their way into the Colorado felony DUI bill remains to be seen. However, as more updates about the Colorado felony DUI bill become available, we’ll report them to you here.
In the meantime, we want to hear from you – do you think the recent changes to the Colorado felony DUI bill went far enough? Or maybe too far? Share your thoughts and comments with us on social media.
Adams County and Boulder DUI Attorneys at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates
Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? If so, the Adams County and Boulder DUI attorneys at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates are 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 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.
