Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Colorado, and the state has strict laws and penalties to deter drunk driving.
Colorado DUI Laws
In Colorado, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If you are under 21, the legal limit is 0.02%. Commercial drivers are also held to a stricter standard, with a legal limit of 0.04%.
If you are pulled over by law enforcement and suspected of driving under the influence, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer test to measure your BAC. Refusal to take a chemical test can result in an automatic license suspension and may be used as evidence against you in court.
Penalties for DUI Offenses
The penalties for DUI offenses in Colorado vary depending on the number of prior convictions and the severity of the offense. First-time offenders can face fines, community service, license suspension, and up to one year in jail. Repeat offenders can face much harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and felony charges.
In addition to criminal penalties, DUI convictions can have other consequences, such as increased insurance rates, job loss, and damage to your reputation. It is essential to seek legal advice if you face DUI charges to minimize the impact on your life.
Defense Strategies
If you are facing DUI charges, there may be several defense strategies that your attorney can use to challenge the prosecution’s case. These may include challenging the validity of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, questioning the legality of the traffic stop, or arguing that your rights were violated during the arrest process.
Your attorney may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain or reduced charges if the evidence against you is weak or if you are willing to enter into a treatment program. Working with an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands the nuances of Colorado’s DUI laws and can build a strong defense on your behalf is essential.
Your Rights
If you are facing DUI charges in Colorado, it is essential to understand your rights. You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present. You also have the right to legal representation and to challenge the evidence against you in court.
It is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence. By working with an experienced DUI defense attorney, you can protect your rights and minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on your life.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Colorado, and the state has strict laws and penalties to deter drunk driving. If you are facing DUI charges, it is essential to understand the potential consequences and to seek legal advice from an experienced DUI defense attorney.
Working with an attorney can build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances and protect your rights throughout the legal process. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of Colorado’s DUI laws, negotiate plea bargains, and minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on your life.
Remember, a DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. With the right legal representation, you may be able to challenge the evidence against you and avoid the harsh penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
If you are facing DUI charges in Colorado, do not hesitate to seek legal advice. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney today to protect your rights and future.
About the Author:
Kimberly Diego is a criminal defense attorney in Denver practicing at The Law Office of Kimberly Diego. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her law degree at the University of Colorado. She was named one of Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars of 2012 & 2019-2022” and a “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Colorado” for 2012-2022 by The National Trial Lawyers. Both honors are limited to a small percentage of practicing attorneys in each state. Additionally, Expertise names her to its lists of the 25 Best Denver DUI Lawyers and 21 Best Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers, both in 2020-2022. Ms. Diego has also been recognized for her work in domestic violence cases.
