Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense, even if it is a person’s first time running afoul of the law. The consequences of DUI become even greater for a second and third offense. However, one Colorado man took things to the next level after police arrested him for his 11th DWI.
One 57-year-old resident of the state has DUIs dating back decades. He has broken the law in numerous jurisdictions, and other cities where he received DUIs include Denver, Jefferson and El Paso. His 11th DUI occurred almost three years ago. On the night of Dec. 25th, 2015, he drove while intoxicated while driving around Inca Street and 48th Avenue. It was here he collided head-on with another vehicle. The two people in the other car sustained serious injuries, and the police promptly arrested him.
New felony designations
His 11th instance of driving under the influence of alcohol occurred after a new law went into effect. In 2015, Governor John Hickenlooper signed a new law that made DUIs felonies under certain conditions.
Upon the man’s initial arrest, police set him at $50,000 bond. However, only recently did he receive a formal sentence. According to the Denver District Attorney’s Office, he received 24 years in prison for his actions. He pleaded guilty to all counts.
Although 11 DUIs sounds like a lot, there are other people throughout the United States who have accumulated more. One man from Virginia received 25 DUIs over his lifetime. For his 25th run-in with the law in 2012, the state sentenced him to seven years in prison.
Increasingly severe consequences
While a first DUI offense may result in a minimum of five days in jail, a second offense within five years of the first can lead to a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail. For any person facing DUI charges, a solid defense is essential. If you are arrested for drunk driving, speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
