Drunk driving is a common cause of serious automobile accidents in the state of Colorado, so law enforcement authorities prosecute DUI-related crimes exceptionally harshly. Even if you have never faced criminal prosecution for any other offense, a single DUI conviction could leave you facing substantial fines, loss of driving privileges and rights, and jail time.
Retaining a knowledgeable Colorado Springs DUI lawyer from the Colorado Lawyer Team could put you in the best position to defend yourself against these allegations. With one of our qualified criminal defense attorneys by your side, you could stand the best chance at effectively pursuing a positive case result and mitigating your risk of facing life-changing criminal and non-criminal consequences.
What Does First-Time DUI Conviction Entail?
According to Colorado Revised Statutes §42-4-1301, a person may face criminal charges for driving under the influence if they operate any motor vehicle while physically or mentally impaired by alcohol or drugs. Therefore, a person may face charges for DUI per se if a police officer records them having a blood alcohol concentration equaling or exceeding 0.08 percent, regardless of whether they are noticeably impaired.
C.R.S. §42-4-1307 establishes the penalties for these crimes. Under this statute, a first-time conviction for DUI or DUI per se is punishable by a fine ranging from $600 to $1,000, between 48 and 96 hours of public service, up to 2 years of probation, and a jail term between 5 days and 1 year in length. Additionally, a convicted individual may have their driver’s license suspended for 9 months and receive 12 demerit points on their license. Convicted drivers may also be required to attend alcohol education classes.
Notably, state law criminalizes the act of driving with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 percent as a separate offense called “driving while ability impaired.” A first conviction for this offense is not punished as harshly as a DUI conviction. Maximum penalties are limited to a fine of $200 to $500, 24 to 48 hours of public service, 2 years of probation, 8 license demerit points, and between 2 and 180 days in jail. A lawyer in Colorado Springs could help someone accused of any DUI-related crime.
Increasing Penalties for Multiple Drunk Driving Offenses
A second conviction for any DUI-related offense could impose criminal sanctions of $600 to $1,500 in fines, up to 120 hours of public service, a probationary period of 2 to 4 years, and a minimum of 10 days in jail up to a maximum of 1 year. A 1-year license suspension or revocation, as well as mandatory ignition interlock device installation, may follow such a conviction as well.
Even harsher misdemeanor penalties may apply for third and fourth offenses, and subsequent convictions may be treated as felony offenses. In light of this, seeking representation from a skilled Colorado Springs lawyer is crucial for anyone facing a DUI charge who has been convicted of drunk driving in the past.
Contact a Colorado Springs DUI Attorney
If you were accused of driving while intoxicated, you might not have much time to start planning your defense. Because state authorities take this type of offense so seriously, you may find yourself facing prosecution and potentially severe criminal and personal consequences.
You should reach out to a qualified Colorado Springs DUI lawyer as soon as possible if you want to maximize your odds of effectively protecting your rights. Call the Colorado Lawyer Team today for a consultation.