Governor Hickenlooper signed a new Colorado DUI law today which includes some new provisions:
HB1240 Penalties for Persistent Drunk Drivers
This bill is a good example of how the Colorado legislature builds coalitions and compromises. This bill comes out of a short list selected by Denver DUI lawyers together with the Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving.
The law lowers the definition of “persistent drunk driver” in Colorado from BAC of 0.17 or more to 0.15 or more. The bill also amends the definition of “persistent drunk driver” to include a person who refuses to take or complete, or to cooperate in the completing of, a test of his or her blood, breath, saliva, or urine as required by law.
A person whose privilege to drive was revoked for one year or more because of a second or subsequent Colorado DUI, DUI per se, or DWAI conviction will now be able to apply for a interlock license after one month, at least for persons 21 years of age or older at the time of the offense. In cases of a refusal , the waiting period is reduced to 2 months from 1 year. Individuals under revocation will be able to apply for an interlock license after January 1, 2014, in Colorado DUI cases.
The bill also allows access to the First Time Drunk Driving Offender account to pay a portion of the costs for an ignition interlock device for a persistent drunk driver who is unable to pay the costs of the device and who installs the ignition interlock device on his or her vehicle on or after January 1, 2014.
If you have questions about Colorado DUI laws or are facing DMV suspension issues, call an experienced Denver DUI lawyer today at 303-688-3045 or contact one of our experienced DUI attorneys located in Douglas County today for a free telephone consultation. Our lawyers practice throughout the Denver metro area.
For full text of the bill:
About our DUI Attorneys
At Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C. our DUI attorneys have been assisting those facing DUI and DWAI charges or other criminal charges in the Denver Metro area for over forty years. Our Denver criminal lawyers serve individuals throughout Colorado who are facing DUI and DWAI as well as DUI-D charges in Colorado. Our DUI attorneys will work for you to achieve the best result possible in your case and to protect your rights and your license. Read more about our DUI representation services.