DENVER (AP) - Habitual drunken drivers would face felony charges in Colorado with a measure given initial approval in the state Senate.
The bill would make a fourth DUI a felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of as much as $500,000. Senators gave unanimous approval to the measure on a voice vote on Tuesday, setting up a final vote Wednesday.
Colorado is among five states where drunken drivers face only misdemeanor charges, even after repeated convictions.
Lawmakers have tried for several years to pass a felony DUI law. But they’ve been concerned about increased costs for the judicial and corrections departments.
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Online:
House Bill 1043: https://bit.ly/1Ox3eql
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