Colorado DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionColorado drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Colorado Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Colorado
- Under 21- A blood alcohol content level (BAC) .02 and less than .08
- Under 21- In possession of alcohol
- Driving with a BAC of .05-.07 (Driving while Impaired)
- Driving with a BAC of .08 or above (Driving under the Influence)
- Driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs or Both. (DWAI)
Colorado Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction (DUI)
If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or above, you are guilty of driving under the influence. The fine for your first DUI is from $300- $1000. You will spend between 5 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 48 to 96 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction (DUI)
The fine for your second DUI will be from $500- $1500. You will spend between 90 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 60 to 120 hours. You will also receive 12 points towards a drivers license suspension.
First DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired)
If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content of .05 but less than .08, you are guilty of driving while ability impaired. The fine for your first DWAI is from $100- $500. You will spend between 2 to 180 days in jail with mandatory public service from 24 to 48 hours. You will also receive 8 points towards a drivers license suspension.
Second DWAI
The fine for your second DWAI is from $300- $1,000. You will spend between 45 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 48 to 96 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
DWAI with Previous DUI
The fine for a DWAI with a previous DUI will be from $400- $1200. You will spend between 60 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 52 to 104 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
DUI with Previous DWAI
The fine for a DUI with a previous DWAI will be from $450- $1500. You will spend between 70 days to 1 year in jail with mandatory public service from 56 to 112 hours. You will also have your license revoked for 1 year.
In the State of Colorado, any time you have a second offense within five years of your first conviction for DUI or DWAI, your minimum jail time may be adjustable if it is allowed to be augmented with a alcohol treatment program.
Colorado Drivers License Issues
Colorado's express consent law is similar to laws in other states know as "Implied Consent Laws". The Colorado law means that , as a driver in the State of Colorado you automatically agree to take a chemical test of your breath, urine and blood. If you refuse to take a chemical test your drivers license will be revoked for a period of one year.
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