Gov. Signs Bill Increasing Penalties for Repeat DUI/DWAI Offenses

HB10-1347, discussed below, has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Ritter and becomes effective July 1. The major provisions of the new law include enhanced minimum-mandatory jail sentences for repeat DUI or DWAI offenders. A second lifetime alcohol driving offense will now carry a minimum 10-day jail sentence with no eligibility for home-detention if the previous offense was within five years. A third lifetime offense will now carry a minimum-mandatory 60-day jail sentence with no eligibility for home detention. Work/education release would still be possible for all mandatory jail sentences, however repeat offenders serving mandatory jail sentences will not be eligible for "good time" credit or reductions due to trustee status for the minimum-mandatory period of their sentences. The entire law may be found at www.leg.state.co.us.