DUI felony law goes into effect in Colorado

The new law making a fourth DUI a felony in Colorado went into effect Wednesday.

Until now, DUI offenders faced misdemeanor charges. Now, those convicted of the fourth DUI could face up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

“I’m excited. This is a good start, and it’s probably not going to be the end hopefully, but definitely puts it out there, that there’s consequences for your behavior and your actions,” Vaughn Littrell said.

Littrell served seven and a half years in prison, after a vehicular homicide DUI in 2005. It was his second DUI.

“Unfortunately in my situation, someone died, and several others were hurt. It ripped apart families. It tore apart the community,” he said.

Littrell is now a speaker, sharing his experience to encourage others not to make the same mistake. He’s not the only applauding today’s new law.

“I’m just glad it finally went through,” Fountain Police Officer Jose Barraza said.

He said while the law won’t change enforcement, police will now know their efforts will have a greater impact in getting drunk drivers off the road.