Understanding Colorado DUI Laws
Colorado DUI laws indicate that a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 is not considered intoxicated, but it may mean a driving while impaired (DWAI) conviction. BACs between .05-.08 can either result in either- a driving under the influence (DUI) or a DWAI. Anything over .08 is considered DUI.
The difference between the two is important to understand. Colorado DUI laws are taken very seriously, as in most states. It is also imperative that you contact a knowledgeable Colorado DUI lawyer if you’ve been pulled over and face either DUI or DWAI charges.
The difference between the two:
DWAI: Driving while impaired generally indicates that a driver has a BAC that would render he or she slightly unable to drive, when compared to a person without intoxicants in their system.
DUI: indicates that a driver has a high enough BAC that they are substantially incapable of full control of the vehicle, clear judgment, and due care.
Both will require you to take action to protect your rights. Taking the first step and contacting a Colorado DUI attorney who will take control of your case is important. Understanding the basics of Colorado DUI laws can help you to be more aware of the potential penalties that can arise without proper legal representation on your side.
For a first time DWAI conviction, you may face anywhere between 2 and 180 days of jail time, fines from $100-$500, and public service hours. From the second and those thereafter, jail time may increase: 45 days to a year, fines starting at $300 but potentially being as high as $1,000 and again, public service hours. None of these things may be suspended.
Colorado DUI laws indicate that a first time driving under the influence (DUI) conviction may result in jail time of anywhere from 5 days to a year. Fines range from $300 to $1,000, and community service. However, if you have had a prior DWAI, these penalties can be much more serious.
If your BAC is .20 or higher, or it is a second offense DUI, the penalties become much steeper. These can include up to a year in jail time or more, as much as $1,500 in fines, as well as community service and license suspension for one year. The legal process can be very daunting, however, with the help of an experienced Colorado DUI lawyer, your chances of lesser penalties are much greater.
It’s important to have someone on your team who will be able to aggressively fight the charges. The Colorado DUI attorneys who specialize in DUI defense at the law offices of Lonn Heymann will pay careful attention to the evidence in your case and work for you. There are many different variables in DUI evidence, such as the accuracy of the test that was used, the legality of the law enforcement official’s reason for stopping you and more. Colorado DUI laws may be strict, but that doesn’t mean that your rights are unimportant: Call today to find out how much an excellent defense can help you.
