Colorado House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill Requiring Mandatory Jail for Persistant Drunk Drivers

Colorado House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill Requiring Mandatory Jail for Persistent Drunk Drivers

The Colorado House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a bill that would require mandatory jail sentences for persistent drunk drivers. The bill sponsored by Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder would require at least a 10 jail sentence on a second DUI conviction and at least 60 days jail on a third or subsequent DUI conviction. Judges would be able to sentence second and third time DUI offenders to work release programs. Second time offenders who had not had a DUI conviction in the previous 5 years would be eligible for in home detention if a judge wanted to sentence the offender to that type of confinement. These measures would allow the DUI offender to face immediate punishment but also be in a position to maintain their jobs and families. In addition to the jail time, repeat DUI offenders would face up to two years of probation and alcohol education and therapy.