• 27
  • May
    2010

On Tuesday, May 25th, Governor Bill Ritter signed 10 new criminal justice bills into law. These bills cover a wide variety of areas from money laundering (House Bill 1081) and sentencing (House Bill 1338) to the state parole board (House Bill 1374). However, two of these bills directly implicate areas of the law that are a primary focus of this blog: DUI/DWAI and marijuana.

House Bill 1347
HB 1347, sponsored by Rep. Claire Levy and Sen. John Morse, creates new mandatory periods of incarceration for repeat offenders. Specifically, a mandatory 10 days in jail for a second DUI/DWAI and a mandatory 60 days in jail for a third or subsequent DUI/DWAI. In addition, the new law requires these repeat offenders to complete a treatment program for alcohol or substance abuse, and places them on probation for two years.

"Too often, repeat offenders get away with a slap on the wrist from some judges. There's simply not enough consistency in penalties for chronic drunk driving. We've heard the public's concern loud and clear: If you are a repeat drunk driver, you will see the inside of a jail cell - period. This law makes sure Colorado's roads and Colorado's families are safe," said Rep. Levy.

House Bill 1352
HB 1352, sponsored by Rep. Mark Ferrandino and Sen. Josh Penry, creates a distinction between drug manufacturers, dealers and users. Specifically, the bill reduces the penalties for lower-level drug users in favor of both treatment and supervision.

For example, illegal possession of more than one ounce of marijuana was previously a first-degree misdemeanor. Now, under the new bill, illegal possession of less than two ounces of marijuana is a petty offense.

Related Resources:
  
• Governor Ritter Signs Criminal Justice Legislation (Colorado Governor Bill Ritter)
• Ritter Signs DUI Measure Requiring Jail for Repeat Offenders  (The Denver Post)