A new law went into effect in Colorado in August 2015. It allows authorities to issue felony charges against a driver suspected of drunk driving if he or she has three or more prior DUI convictions. A 55-year-old man was recently stopped by police on the road, and he now faces such charges.
Allegedly, a call was placed just after 10 p.m. on a recent Wednesday night to a drunk driving hot-line. Officers responded to the call that had come from an employee at a local bar. That same employee told police that she had only served one beer each to the man in question and his friend. However, she claims that after asking him to leave the premises because of an incident that took place in the public restroom, she became concerned about whether he was sober when he drove away.
Officers who pulled him over on the road shortly thereafter claim that the man’s eyes were red and his speech was slurred. They also say he reeked of alcohol. The man was also said to be very unsteady on his feet and reportedly placed his own hands behind his back and suggested that officers place him under arrest.
Although he did submit to field sobriety tests, the man refused further testing. He now faces possible time in prison if convicted for drunk driving. Colorado law protects anyone in such circumstances by allowing him or her to retain legal assistance in the matter. Because a felony is a criminal offense, it can have serious negative effects on a person’s life. Choosing to act under the guidance of an experienced criminal lawyer is typically a prudent decision.
