DENVER-
The House approved and sent to Gov. Bill Ritter on Wednesday a measure that gives the state more flexibility to gather evidence from drunken drivers.
The measure (Senate Bill 154) passed the House on a 51-14 vote.
“Were closing the loophole that allows drunk drivers to escape justice. We want to make sure that well have fewer repeat offenders and give law enforcement greater ability when they take these cases to court,” said Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley.
Riesberg said there is a loophole in that law that allows someone suspected of driving under the influence to choose either a blood alcohol test or a breathalyzer test.
If a test is not administered within two hours after the arrest, law enforcement does not have the proper evidence for a conviction.
The measure still allows a driver to choose, but if the suspect’s preferred test cannot be administered because of unforeseen circumstances, authorities would have the right to administer the other test.
