A bipartisan group of Colorado state lawmakers had proposed a bill that would make repeat DUI offenses in that state a felony. However, in a move that angered many, the state legislature rejected the proposal, reports The Denver Post.

Under the proposed law, anyone who is arrested for three drunk driving offenses in five years will be charged with a felony. In addition, anyone changed with four DUIs in a 15-year span would be charged with an even greater felony charge and face multiple years in prison.

Opponents of the bill cited the high price tag for the bill. However, a study indicated that the proposed change to the drunk driving law would only cost $1.6 million including the costs of enforcement and incarceration. The bill was set to take effect the next year and many lawmakers cited as a reason for denial that they should consider the proposed law and its fiscal impacts the following year.

Washington Repeat DUI Offender Law

Unlike Colorado, Washington already makes repeat DUIs a felony. Under Washington state law, if you have four or more DUI convictions in the past ten years, you can be charged with a felony and face serious prison time. In fact, due to several high-profile incidents in the past few years, some have suggested even harsher penalties for repeat offenders such as imposing a felony charge to three or fewer prior convictions or giving prosecutors the ability to consider a longer period of time for DUI convictions.

Contact a Seattle DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with drunk driving and have a prior DUI conviction, you will want to talk to an experienced attorney. It is paramount that you have representation as the repercussions of an additional conviction can be very serious. To learn more about how a Seattle DUI attorney can help you, contact Wolff Criminal Defense by calling 425-284-2000.