59% Increase in DUI Arrests

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Mesa County Sheriff Department’s DUI (driving-under-the-influence) arrests are up 59% this year. According to the deputies, they made 61 arrests by June 2008 and already made 103 so far this year.

21^st Judicial District’s chief deputy district attorney, Dan Rubinstein, announced “We are very happy to hear that.” The deputies are being extra vigilant in working checkpoints with Colorado State Patrol troopers and have been watching intoxicated drivers while working their shifts.

Just last year, Rubenstein requested Rep. Steve King (R-Grand Junction) for a bill that would make repeated DUI as a felony. However, he said “It’s very frustrating to see that this bill failed to become a law.”

There have been five cases of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths recently in Mesa County for this year. “Obviously, we had a number of DUI related deaths, and word has to spread that law enforcement would be getting them here,” Rubenstein added.

Costs of a first-time DUI arrest can go up to $10,000. Heather Benjamin, the spokeswoman for Sheriff Department warned, “It’s just not worth it, so better not do it. If you want to drink, make sure you designate a sober person to drive you home beforehand. Otherwise, take a cab, ride the bus, or walk – just don’t drink and drive.”

Tags: attorney, Dan Rubinstein, dui, Heather Benjamin, Mesa County, Rep. Steve King, Sheriff Department
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