On January 1, 2014, House Bill 13-1240 will go into effect. This bill marks changes that have been a direct result of lobbying efforts by the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and DUI (driving under the influence) defense firms. House Bill 13-1240 alters several existing laws regarding license reinstatement
Once in effect, House Bill 13-1240 will allow a driver to apply for early reinstatement of their license if they have had their license revoked for one year or more because of a criminal conviction for DUI, DUI per se, DWAI, or has had their license revoked for multiple per se revocations under CRS § 42-2-126. A driver who has been convicted for a DUI, DUI per se, DWAI, or who has had their license revoked on multiple per se revocations may apply for early reinstatement with ignition interlock after he or she has served one month of the revocation.
Drivers who have refused to submit to a chemical test of their blood or breath may apply for early reinstatement with interlock after they have served two months of the revocation. If a license is revoked for a refusal and the person is subsequently convicted criminally out of the same occurrence, the action, revocation or suspension will run concurrent meaning at the same time as the Department of Motor Vehicle’s revocation. The total period of revocation shall not exceed the longer of two periods.
Although these reinstatement laws do not go into effect until January 1, 2014, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may allow drivers who are currently under revocation for alcohol-related offenses to reinstate early under the new legislation. Drivers who are currently under revocation for a second or subsequent offense and are serving a minimum of a one-year revocation may be allowed to reinstate early on January 1, 2014 if they have served at least one month of revocation at that time. Drivers who are currently under revocation for a refusal may be allowed to reinstate early on January 1, 2014 if they have served at least two months of the revocation at that time.
If you have been charged with a DUI and need representation, The Bussey Law Firm may be able to help. For a free consultation please call (719) 475-2555.