DUIs During the Holidays in Colorado

Holidays are a time to enjoy and make merry. More people go to parties, consume alcohol, and unfortunately, engage in drunk driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) points out that in 2018, 1068 deaths caused by drunk drivers occurred across the U.S. and twenty-four of these deaths occurred in Colorado. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the number of deaths resulting from drunk drivers increases from Thanksgiving to New Years, with the most-traveled holiday period in Colorado being Thanksgiving weekend. As such, DUI arrests are highest between Thanksgiving and the end of the New Year’s weekend.

Many Colorado drivers do not realize the impact of even a small amount of alcohol in their system which can impair a person’s ability to drive and indeed, statistics reveal that each day, nearly 60 people are arrested in Colorado for drunk driving. 

Consequences of DUI charges 

Driving under the influence is a serious crime in Colorado with severe penalties. If you face DUI charges, you should contact a Denver DUI attorney immediately. An attorney will help you understand your legal options and how best to fight the DUI charges. The DUI penalties in Colorado depend on a driver’s prior DUI convictions and the BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) level.  A first-time DUI offense is a misdemeanor whose potential consequences are:

• A jail time of five days to one year. 
• A fine not exceeding $1,000.
• Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license for nine months. 
• Mandatory attendance of alcohol education classes. 
• Community services for up to 96 hours. 

You can face a DUI per se charge if you drive with a BAC of 0.08% or more. However, you may still face charges even with a lower BAC as depending on the police’s observations, you may receive charges for DWAI (driving while ability impaired) even if your BAC does not exceed the allowable limit. The penalties for DWAI may be lower compared to a standard DUI offense:

• A jail time of 2 days to 180 days. 
• A fine not exceeding $500.
• Community service for up to 48 hours.
• 8 points against your driver’s license.

Every subsequent DUI offense that you commit will attract a harsher penalty than the previous one. Don’t overlook the importance of hiring a Denver DUI attorney even if your charges seem minor. An attorney goes a long way in determining the outcome of your case. 

Curbing drunk driving in Colorado 

During holidays, law enforcement agencies across Colorado increase their patrols to remove impaired drivers from the road. The officers set a lot more stops to conduct alcohol checks with patrols aimed at identifying DUI cases. The Colorado State Patrol also sends out more troopers during holidays to spot impaired drivers and take action. 

As a preventative measure, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) introduced the Take Some Time campaign to create awareness regarding how long it takes a driver’s BAC to return to zero after alcohol consumption. As most people mistakenly believe they are good to drive after one or two beers, the campaign aims to change how people view one pint, shot, or glass of alcohol, and helps drivers understand just how long it takes to get sober again after drinking. 

Tips for preventing driving and drinking 

More than 32% of fatal car crashes in the U.S. involve an intoxicated driver. If your social plans involve alcohol, take measures to prevent drinking and driving:

• Have a designated driver for your groups. 
• Don’t allow friends to drive after drinking; take their car keys if necessary. 
• If you have been drinking, call a taxi or get a ride home from a sober friend.
• If you plan a party, include some alcohol-free drinks and encourage guests to designate a sober driver to take them home. 
• As a caregiver or a parent, talk to your children, especially your teens, about drunk driving and the risks involved.
• If you spot a drunk driver on the road, inform the police by outlining the drunk driver’s location, direction they are headed, their vehicle model, and license plate number. 

If you face an arrest due to drunk driving, contact a Denver DUI attorney who will explore several defenses to your charges, including:

• Gathering evidence regarding your case.
• Conducting legal research and filing motions.
• Negotiating with the prosecutor and the judge on your behalf. 

Don’t wait too long after a DUI arrest before contacting an experienced Denver DUI attorney. Speak with a knowledgeable attorney at the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC in Denver, Colorado.