Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in the state of Colorado. Denver DUI lawyer Steven J. Pisani is one of Denver’s top DUI lawyers. DUI means that an individual operated a motor vehicle in the state and they were physically and/or mentally impaired by the consumption of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement officers can stop any motor vehicle if they have a reasonable suspicion a violation of the law has been committed. During a traffic stop, the officer can legally check the driver to ensure they are not under the influence of any kind of intoxication.
Typically vehicles are stopped for weaving, driving the wrong way down a street or for not having headlamps turned on when required. During the course of the stop, if the officer notices behavior consistent with intoxication, they may ask the driver to complete a series of standardized field sobriety tests (SFST’s). Poor performance on these tests may give the officer enough probable cause to suspect DUI and subsequently arrest the driver. After arrest, the officer should request a chemical test of the driver’s blood or breath to determine the level of intoxication.
Some conditions under which you can be arrested and convicted for Driving Under The Influence (DUI):
- If you are significantly unable to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, drugs or even prescription medication.
- If there is at least .08% of blood alcohol concentration in your body (for adults 21 and older).
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction?
If you face conviction DUI violation, even a first time offense, there are long lasting consequences:
- Imprisonment from 5 days up to 1 year
- Probation for up to 2 years
- Court‐ordered alcohol treatment for up to 9 months
- Monitored sobriety
- Travel consequences
- Community service up to 96 hours
- Loss of driving privileges
- Higher insurance rates (Auto/Life/Health)
How can an experienced Denver DUI Lawyer assist you with your DUI Defense?
We will assist you by:
- Educating you about your legal rights
- Discussing the possible consequences of an impaired conviction
- Examining the circumstance surrounding your police contact
- Taking action to save your driver’s license
- Reviewing the facts to determine relevant legal issues
- Scrutinizing the validity of chemical tests and other evidence
- Presenting a compelling defense, including representation at court, plea negotiations and jury trial
- Answering all of your questions about the legal procedures involved
- Assisting you with treatment & counseling if necessary
We are one of the renowned and well experienced law firms in Colorado when it comes to DUI law. Contact Denver DUI Lawyer Steven J. Pisani today for a free consultation.
Colorado Drunk Driving Penalties (Offense on or after July 1, 2010) | |
OFFENSE | PENALTY |
1st DUI | 5 days-1 year jail, the court can suspend jail with an alcohol evaluation, alcohol classes, monitored abstinence, 48-96 hours useful public service, up to 2 years probation. |
1st DUI, with greater than 0.20 BAC | 10 days – 1 year jail, the court cannot suspend 10 days, alcohol classes, monitored abstinence, 48-96 hours useful public service, up to 2 years probation. |
1st DWAI | 2 days – 6 months jail, the court can suspend jail with an alcohol evaluation, alcohol classes, monitored abstinence, 24-48 hours useful public service, up to 2 years probation. |
2nd DUI within 5 years of prior alcohol based driving offense | 10 days – 1 year jail, the court cannot suspend the 10 days. For the 10 days: must be served consecutive, no earned time, no good time, level II alcohol classes, monitored abstinence, 48-120 hours useful public service, 2 to 4 years probation. |
2nd DUI with prior alcohol based driving offense older than 5 years | 10 days – 1 year jail, the court cannot suspend the 10 days. For the 10 days: must be served consecutive, no earned time, no good time, level II alcohol classes, monitored abstinence, 48-120 hours useful public service, 2 to 4 years probation. |
3rd DUI | 60 days – 1 year jail, the court cannot suspend the 60 days. For the 60 days: must be served consecutive, no earned time, no good time, level II alcohol classes, monitored abstinence, 48-120 hours useful public service, 2 to 4 years probation. |