You had dinner with friends in the Denver Tech Center, confident that a couple of drinks wouldn’t be a problem. On the drive home, flashing lights filled your rearview mirror, and when you pulled over, the police officer said that you were driving erratically. You agree to do some roadside tests, which you know you didn’t pass, when he handcuffs you and transports you to jail. Now you’re left dealing with court dates, license issues, and the stress of not knowing what happens next.
Drunk driving charges are taken seriously in Arapahoe County and across Colorado, so the impact can be felt long after the flashing lights fade. A DUI conviction can affect your ability to drive, hold certain jobs, and maintain a clean criminal record. Even a first-time charge brings real consequences, and repeat offenses lead to tougher penalties that can change your daily life.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Greenwood Village, you may feel confused, angry, or just frustrated by the legal system. At Colorado Lawyer Team, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. The Greenwood Village DUI defense lawyers at our law firm are ready to review your case, listen to your concerns, and show you the best way forward.
Why Hire Colorado Lawyer Team For Your DUI Case in Greenwood Village?
We know what you’re going through because we’ve helped many clients in your situation. Whether you’ve been falsely accused or simply made a mistake, our goal is the same: to provide you with honest legal advice and skilled representation aimed at protecting your future. When you hire our law firm, we bring the following advantages to your criminal defense matter:
- Thorough Investigation: From police reports to lab results, we examine every detail to identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or rights violations. A careful review can reveal weak spots in the prosecution’s case. Our criminal defense attorneys look at the facts and build your case from there.
- Challenging Test Results When Appropriate: We question the accuracy of breath and blood tests, particularly when the testing methods or equipment raise concerns. If the results were mishandled or the chain of custody was broken, we’ll use that to your advantage. These legal issues can affect the outcome of your case.
- Representing You at DMV Hearings and Court: Our experienced attorneys can handle both your license hearing and criminal case to make sure your criminal defense stays organized. This helps protect your driving privileges while we address the charges. You’ll know what to expect on both fronts.
- Helping You Understand Your Options: We explain possible outcomes, plea deal terms, and next steps so you can make informed decisions. You won’t be left wondering what comes next or what a court date means for your future. We communicate regularly and help you plan ahead.
- Negotiating for Reduced Penalties: When possible, our criminal defense team works with prosecutors to reduce charges, lower penalties, or explore treatment-based alternatives to conviction. A fair result often starts with strong preparation and clear communication. We’re here to help you get through it with better options.
- Defending You at Trial if Needed: If your case goes to court, we have the courtroom experience needed to build an aggressive defense. Our trial lawyers will prepare you for any hearings, present witness testimony, and challenge the evidence against you.
What Counts as a DUI in Colorado?
Colorado recognizes different categories of impaired driving. You can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Even if your BAC is below that, you can still be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) if your BAC falls between 0.05% and 0.079%. And if you’re under 21, even stricter penalties apply. Also, don’t forget you can be under the influence of any manner of substance–yes, even prescription medications used therapeutically can impair your driving.
DUI and DWAI charges also apply if you show signs of alcohol intoxication, even without a test result. This means that observable behaviors, such as slurred speech or erratic driving, can lead to charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even when the BAC doesn’t exceed legal limits or when a test is refused or unable to be done for various reasons.
DUI and Drivers Under 21
Colorado has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21. A BAC between 0.02% and 0.05% can result in a UDD charge, which is an administrative violation. Even if you weren’t impaired, that low number is enough to lose your license and face fines or classes.
If the BAC is 0.05% or higher, you may be charged with DUI or DWAI. These are criminal charges that carry jail time, probation, and a record that can affect school and job opportunities. Many young drivers don’t realize how far these consequences can reach.
We help underage drivers and their parents make sense of the case. That can mean fighting the charge, reducing it, or requesting a record seal. Our goal is to help young people move on without lasting setbacks.
Drug-Related DUI
Marijuana may be legal to use, but driving after using it can still lead to a DUI. If your blood has five nanograms or more of THC per milliliter, the state assumes you were impaired. But THC affects everyone differently, and those numbers don’t always prove actual impairment.
Police often use field tests, blood results, and body cam footage to build a marijuana DUI case. However, THC can remain in your system long after its effects wear off. You could be charged even if you were driving safely and felt alert.
Our criminal defense lawyers work with toxicologists and review how the stop was handled. If the arrest was based on poor testing or assumptions, we’ll raise those issues in court. These cases require careful attention to how cannabis works in the body and how evidence was gathered.
DUI and Professional Licenses
A DUI can cause problems with your professional license in Arapahoe County. If you work in fields like healthcare, finance, teaching, or real estate, you may have to report the charge to your licensing board. That could lead to a wide range of outcomes, including discipline, review hearings, or even suspension. Some jobs require regular background checks or driving, so a DUI could affect your eligibility, even if you’re not convicted.
We help you manage these issues so your career stays on track. This includes preparing letters to your board, submitting proof of rehab or classes, and working toward sealing your record when possible. As your legal representation, our goal is to help protect your livelihood and keep you working while the case plays out.
Colorado’s Express Consent Law
Colorado also has an “express consent” law, which means that by driving, you’ve automatically agreed to chemical testing if police suspect you’re impaired. If you refuse to take a breath, blood, or other test, you’ll face automatic penalties. These include a license suspension for at least one year and possible classification as a “persistent drunk driver.” That label can apply in other situations too, such as if your BAC is 0.15% or higher or if you’ve had repeated offenses.
A DUI charge in Colorado doesn’t always require a test result. In some cases, police rely on observed behavior, performance on roadside tests, or other signs of impairment. If an officer believes you’re unable to drive safely, you can still face charges. This includes drivers who may be tired, distracted, or physically impaired by substances, even if those substances aren’t illegal.
The DUI Arrest: What Happens First?
A DUI arrest often starts with a traffic stop, sometimes for a minor issue like a broken taillight or drifting over a lane. Once stopped, the officer may look for signs like bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol. You may be asked to perform field sobriety tests or take a preliminary breath test (a “PBT”). Although the PBT result is not admissible in the DUI case, but can be admitted in other types of offenses on a limited basis. Note: the PBT on the side of the road is NOT the same as the Express Consent Blood/Breath test that you’ll be offered later. There are no penalties for refusing a PBT, either.
If the officer decides there’s enough reason to arrest you, you’ll be taken to a station or medical facility for testing. This usually involves a breathalyzer or a blood draw. The results from these tests often drive the charges, but they’re not always reliable.
After the arrest, you’ll be given a court summons and possibly a notice of license suspension. You have seven days to request a DMV hearing to fight the suspension. If you miss the deadline, your license will be suspended automatically.
What to Do if You’re Arrested for DUI in Colorado?
The first few hours after an arrest are important. Stay calm and avoid arguing with the officer or trying to talk your way out of it. Anything you say during or after the arrest can be used in court, so it’s best to remain polite but quiet. Once you’re taken to the station, you’ll likely be asked to take a chemical test. Colorado law treats this as mandatory, and refusal comes with automatic penalties.
After you’re released, review the paperwork given to you. This may include a notice of license revocation, a court summons, or a report from the arresting officer. Don’t ignore any deadlines. In many cases, you only have seven days to request a hearing with the DMV to challenge your license suspension. Missing that deadline usually results in an automatic suspension.
Next, contact a DUI defense attorney. These cases often involve both a criminal charge and an administrative penalty through the DMV. Someone familiar with the state’s DUI laws can help you understand what you’re facing, what legal defenses might apply, and what steps to take before your first court date. You may also be advised on how to prepare for court and what to expect during the hearing.
If your license has been revoked or suspended, ask about eligibility for a restricted license. Colorado offers ignition interlock programs that allow some people to drive during their suspension period if they meet certain conditions. This can help you maintain some mobility while your case moves forward. Be sure to follow all rules related to the interlock device if you’re approved for one.
Throughout the case, keep track of court dates and paperwork. Attend every hearing, arrive early, and follow the court’s instructions carefully. If you fail to show up or violate court orders, the criminal penalties may increase. You may be required to complete alcohol education classes, community service, or attend a victim impact panel. These requirements vary depending on the facts of your arrest and your driving record.
Being arrested for DUI in Arapahoe County doesn’t automatically mean a criminal conviction. Mistakes can happen during the stop, the testing, or the arrest itself, and those issues can sometimes lead to reduced charges or even dismissal. Still, acting quickly and taking the situation seriously gives you a better chance of minimizing the damage. What you do in the first few days often shapes what happens next.
DUI Penalties in Colorado
The potential penalties for DUI depend on your BAC, prior charges, and whether there were injuries or damage involved. A first-time DUI conviction can result in the following penalties:
- Five days up to one year of jail
- A fine ranging from $600 to $1,000 and payment of court costs and fees
- Suspension of driving and restricted driving privileges for up to 2 years
- 48 to 96 hours of community service
You may also need to complete DUI education courses of a certain length and attend a MADD victim impact panel. First-time offenders may be eligible to have any jail sentence suspended if they comply with specific requirements, such as abstaining from alcohol use for one year from the date of sentencing, participating in a substance abuse evaluation, and completing education or treatment programs based on that evaluation.
Predictably, penalties grow steadily harsher when you have one or more prior DUI or related convictions. Individuals may be subject to longer jail terms, higher fines, longer license suspensions, and mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices.
Furthermore, a DUI, DUI per se, or DWAI offense becomes a Class 4 felony charge after three or more previous convictions for DUI, DWAI, vehicular homicide, or vehicular assault. At Colorado Lawyer Team, our criminal defense attorneys work to limit the damage and help you move forward. That may mean pushing for alternatives to jail or challenging unfair penalties.
Common Defenses to DUI Charges
Not every DUI charge is supported by strong evidence. The outcome often depends on how the traffic stop was conducted, how tests were administered, and whether legal procedures were followed correctly. Depending on the circumstances, here are some of the defenses we may raise:
- Unlawful Traffic Stop: If the officer didn’t have reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop, any evidence collected afterward may be inadmissible in court. Challenging the legality of the stop is often one of the most effective ways to weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Improper Field Sobriety Testing: These tests must follow standardized procedures to be considered valid. If the officer failed to account for environmental factors or health conditions, the results may be unreliable.
- Flawed Chemical Testing: Breath and blood tests must be performed and documented with strict attention to protocol. Issues like equipment calibration, improper storage, or mishandling of samples can lead to the exclusion of the results.
- Violation of Constitutional Rights: If you were not advised of your rights or denied access to a qualified attorney during questioning, those violations may impact the admissibility of evidence. Courts take procedural errors seriously and may suppress key parts of the case.
- Inappropriate Law Enforcement Conduct: If an officer used improper tactics, failed to document procedures, or deviated from established guidelines, we may raise those issues in court. Misconduct or lack of proper training can cast doubt on the credibility of the arrest.
DMV Hearings vs. Criminal Court
A DUI arrest leads to two separate proceedings: one through the DMV and the other in criminal court. The DMV hearing only addresses your ability to drive. You must request this hearing within seven days of your arrest, or your license will be suspended automatically.
The DMV hearing reviews whether the stop was legal, if you refused testing, or if your BAC was over the limit. It’s separate from the court case, but both affect your daily life. Our Greenwood Village DUI defense lawyers prepare for both and use the DMV hearing to start building your case early.
The court case involves your formal charges, court appearances, and the possibility of a plea or trial. Each step has deadlines and decisions that shape the result. We represent you throughout so your case stays on track and your rights are respected.
Repeat Offenses and Habitual Offender Status
Colorado keeps DUI convictions on your record for life. That means past criminal offenses, even those from years ago, can count against you. A fourth DUI is charged as a felony and brings the risk of prison time, long license revocation, and court-mandated treatment.
Judges treat repeat offenses seriously. Sentences can include long probation periods, no eligibility for restricted licenses, and extended ignition interlock requirements. These restrictions make it harder to get to work or take care of your family.
As we explained earlier, a repeat charge doesn’t always lead to a conviction. Our Greenwood Village DUI defense lawyers check your past records to see if they meet Colorado’s legal standards. If a prior charge was mishandled or based on another state’s rules, we may be able to limit its impact.
Should You Take a Plea Deal?
Most DUI cases are resolved through plea negotiations. The prosecutor may offer to reduce your charge or recommend lighter penalties if you agree to plead guilty. This can help avoid jail or keep a conviction off your record.
However, not every deal is worth taking. Some offers carry consequences that follow you for years. We explain what a deal means and how it affects your job, license, and future. If it makes sense to accept a deal, we’ll make sure the terms are as favorable as possible. If it doesn’t, we’ll keep preparing for trial. Either way, you’ll have the information you need to make the call.
Questions? Call Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Now!
Getting arrested for DUI can be incredibly stressful. The outcome of your case can affect your ability to drive, your professional licensing, and even your freedom. At Colorado Lawyer Team, we’re here to support you and put this challenging time behind you as quickly as possible. For more information or to schedule an initial consultation, call (970) 344-9401 or contact our legal team online today. We’ll review your case and help you make the right next move.