Andorra Court Reviews DUI Appeal of Drug Trafficker Facing 18-Month Sentence

Andorra's Superior Court has reviewed an appeal from a man serving a six-month prison sentence who faces a further 12 months after driving under the influence while on conditional release for drug trafficking.

The defendant was arrested in 2023 for importing and possessing large amounts of cocaine and MDMA for sale, plus a minor personal-use cocaine charge. Granted three years of conditional liberty—due to expire in December—a previous breach resulted in his current six-month term, which started on June 5. Following the April 1 DUI incident, a magistrate revoked 12 more months of his conditional period, raising the prospect of 18 months' total firm imprisonment.

His legal team contested the full 12-month extension, requesting it be capped at six months to allow semi-liberty access, ongoing studies, and work opportunities. They pointed to his strong conduct since reincarceration, including reintegration workshops, aid to a fellow inmate facing mental health challenges, ESO equivalency completion during pretrial detention, and enrollment in a mid-level degree program with a secured second-year place. Counsel admitted the alcohol relapse stemmed from family pressures but emphasized active alcoholism treatment and medication at the prison. "The offense happened, but his alcohol issue must be taken into account—it's under treatment," the lawyer noted. The man addressed the court directly, owning his personal struggles as no justification, pledging no repeats, and aiming for semi-liberty to pursue education and escape his past.

Prosecutors rejected the bid, upholding the magistrate's order. They cited his earlier convictions, his acceptance of conditional release terms, and risks from personal stressors prompting repeats. "He was aware that reoffending would mean prison," the prosecutor remarked.

No decision has been issued.