You’re driving home under a star-strewn Colorado sky after a night on the town. Suddenly, a police car flashes its lights in your rearview mirror, and moments later, you’re facing a DUI arrest. The sobering reality of Colorado DUI laws hits hard—Colorado designed these regulations to protect lives, but they can catch you off guard and turn your life upside down.
Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., offers trusted legal representation to assist you in navigating this overwhelming process. With over two decades of experience and recognition as an AVVO Client’s Choice Award winner, Mark provides personalized, hands-on support for individuals arrested for DUI. Keep reading to unravel the complexities of Colorado DUI laws and what it means if you get one.
What Are Colorado DUI Laws?
Colorado DUI laws are stringent and enforce penalties designed to deter impaired driving. Under Colorado law, police can charge you with driving under the influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For lesser alcohol levels—0.05% to 0.08%—you could face a driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge.
Zero-tolerance laws apply to drivers under 21, with any BAC of 0.02% or higher leading to legal consequences. Additionally, DUI laws encompass impairment by drugs, including marijuana, which is legal in Colorado but strictly prohibited while operating a vehicle. Police use roadside sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and blood tests to establish impairment.
The implications of these laws are far-reaching. Beyond fines and potential jail time, convictions bring long-term consequences that can impact your professional and personal life.
What Happens If You Get a DUI?
So, what happens if you get a DUI in Colorado? The penalties range from losing your driving privileges to fines and jail time but depend on several factors, including your BAC, prior offenses, and whether the DUI involved aggravating circumstances like an accident or injury. Here’s a breakdown:
- First offense. First offenses can carry fines up to $1,000, jail time ranging from 5 days to 1 year, license suspension for up to 9 months, and mandatory alcohol education classes.
- Second offense. Second offenses carry heavier fines, a 2-year license suspension, jail time ranging from 10 days to 1 year, and mandatory ignition interlock device installation.
- Third or subsequent offenses. In some cases, further offenses can result in felony charges, extended license suspension, higher fines, and mandatory community service and probation.
For those arrested for DUI involving drugs, the penalties mirror those of alcohol-related DUIs, but the state may also require drug counseling programs. Each case is unique, so having a seasoned attorney is critical to building your defense.
Arrested for DUI: What’s Next?
Being arrested for DUI can be a bewildering and intimidating experience. The legal process begins once the officer informs you of your charges, including a court hearing and potential administrative penalties from the Colorado Department of Revenue. At this point, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.
One immediate consequence of a DUI arrest is the risk of losing your driver’s license. Under Colorado’s express consent law, refusing a chemical test results in an automatic license suspension—one year for a first refusal, two years for a second, and three years for subsequent refusals. You only have seven days to request a DMV hearing to contest the suspension.
It can be daunting to face a DUI arrest alone. With experienced legal representation, you can explore potential defenses, such as challenging the validity of the traffic stop or the accuracy of BAC testing methods. We focus on identifying these nuances to protect your rights throughout the process.
Can a DUI Attorney Help?
Absolutely. Working with a skilled DUI attorney can make the difference between a devastating outcome and a manageable resolution. Here’s how:
- Case assessment. A knowledgeable attorney can analyze the evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as improper testing procedures or lack of probable cause.
- Negotiation. An attorney can advocate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, like probation or alcohol education programs.
- Representation. A skilled advocate can provide vigorous defense in court to minimize penalties and protect your record.
With over two decades of experience, Mark understands the intricacies of Colorado DUI laws. He’ll work tirelessly to explore every avenue, from negotiating plea deals to fighting for a dismissal when possible.
What Makes Colorado DUI Cases Unique?
Colorado’s elevation and lifestyle create unique challenges for DUI cases. For example, high altitudes can amplify the effects of alcohol, leading to faster impairment. Additionally, the legalization of marijuana has introduced new complexities, with officers trained to detect drug-impaired driving through field sobriety tests and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). Understanding these local nuances is key to crafting a strong defense, which is where our experience is invaluable.
Take Control of Your Case and Contact Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C. Today
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you need a lawyer who combines legal acumen with personalized attention. Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., has earned clients’ trust across Colorado by delivering exceptional results with compassion and professionalism. Unlike large firms, Mark’s sole-practitioner approach ensures that every case receives his undivided attention. From the moment you contact his office, you’ll work directly with Attorney Mark Rubinstein, not an associate or paralegal. This hands-on approach allows him to tailor his strategy to your needs, giving you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Colorado DUI laws are unforgiving, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of a DUI arrest or wondering what happens if you get a DUI, having a seasoned attorney by your side can make all the difference. Don’t let a mistake define your future. Contact Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., today to build a defense, regain your peace of mind, and take the first step toward resolution.
