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The statute of limitations is a common phrase heard in the legal community. While it is commonly used for personal injury cases and in crimes like theft and murder, you may wonder – does it apply to DUI cases, too?
While the answer may surprise you, it’s “yes.” However, some factors will impact how long the statute of limitations is. Keep reading to learn more about this.
Remember, if you are ever charged with a DUI in Denver, it’s in your best interest to contact a Denver DUI defense attorney right away.
A misdemeanor charge occurs if you operate your vehicle with a BAC of 0.08%. It does not matter if you are impaired. The prosecution has 18 months to file charges for a misdemeanor DUI charge.
If you are charged and found guilty of this crime (as a first-time offender), you may face up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Your driver’s license can be suspended for up to nine months and required to complete 96 hours of community service.
If you have three prior DUIs or are involved in a DUI that injured another person, you are charged with a felony DUI. Prosecutors have three years from the date of the incident to file this charge. If someone died in the incident, the time period increases to five years.
Individuals who get a fourth DUI will face a Class 4 felony, which carries up to six years in jail. Any DUI that results in serious injuries to someone is also a Class 4 felony and carries the same six years in jail and up to $500K in fines.
DUI cases that result in the death of someone are charged as Class 3 felonies. If you are found guilty, you may face up to 12 years in prison and have to pay fines of up to $750K.
If you face DUI charges in Denver, it is best to call an attorney for help. They can review the facts of your case and work to help have the charges reduced or eliminated completely. While there are no guarantees about the case’s outcome, having an attorney will be an invaluable resource, especially if you have no prior experience with the court system.
