Driving under the influence charges can have life-changing consequences. For drivers under 21 in Colorado, the laws are strict. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we see how a single mistake can upend school, work, and reputation. We want you to understand the zero-tolerance rules, what happens if you are charged, and why hiring a DUI defense lawyer in Denver matters.
What Zero Tolerance Means In Colorado
Colorado has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21. Zero tolerance means:
- If you are under 21 and found with any alcohol in your system while driving, you can be charged with a DUI.
- The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for underage drivers is 0.02%.
- Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to DUI charges.
The law aims to prevent underage drinking and driving by removing the “safe” threshold that adults have. This is not a suggestion. It is the law. If police believe you were driving with any alcohol in your system, you face a criminal process right away. Civil penalties from the DMV can be separate from criminal charges. Using a DUI attorney in Denver, CO, early can protect rights in both arenas.
Colorado Zero Tolerance Penalties
Penalties under zero tolerance can include:
- License Suspension: The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your driver’s license quickly, often before court.
- Fines: Underage DUI fines typically range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Alcohol Education or Treatment: Colorado may require education or treatment programs.
- Criminal Record: A DUI conviction stays on your record.
Even first-time offenses are serious. The law does not treat “zero tolerance” DUI as a minor traffic ticket. The consequences impact employment, education, and housing background checks. That is why having a Denver, Colorado defense attorney guide your case matters in shaping outcomes before deadlines close your options.
Common Situations That Trigger Zero Tolerance
You can be charged with underage DUI if:
- You are pulled over under reasonable suspicion of impairment.
- You are involved in a crash suspected to involve alcohol.
- You fail or refuse chemical testing when requested by police.
Tests include breathalyzers, blood tests, and urine tests. Refusing a chemical test still carries penalties under Colorado’s implied consent rules. You still need a strong defense strategy because silent or straightforward policies can trigger license actions separate from court issues. Legal help is critical.
How Police And Courts Enforce The Law
Police officers use field sobriety tests and chemical tests to measure impairment. For drivers 21 or older, prosecutors must prove impairment. For underage drivers, any BAC above 0.02% is effectively illegal.
Zero-tolerance cases can involve two systems:
- Criminal court: Where a prosecutor seeks a conviction or a plea.
- DMV hearing: Where your driving privilege is at risk.
Each requires different defenses. A criminal defense lawyer in Denver knows how to handle both the court and DMV processes to preserve your license and reduce charges. Early action makes a difference.
Defenses In Underage DUI Cases
Every case is unique, but a few common defenses include:
- Questioning the Stop: If police lacked reasonable suspicion, evidence may be excluded.
- Challenging Test Accuracy: Breath or blood tests may be faulty or improperly administered.
- Scientific Error: Calibration logs, machine issues, and operator errors can undermine test results.
- Miranda and Procedural Issues: Police mistakes can weaken evidence.
We often see cases where police reports are taken as final. They are not. A skilled DUI attorney in Denver, CO, knows what to look for and how to challenge flawed evidence. Acting fast preserves legal options.
Why Early Action Matters
Under Colorado law, deadlines move fast:
- You may have only days to request a DMV hearing after an arrest.
- Court dates and plea deadlines affect defenses.
- Evidence that helps your case must be gathered early.
If you miss a deadline, you lose rights without a second chance. Often, police or prosecutors will say the situation is routine. It is not. Early defense can mean reduced charges or dismissal in favorable cases. Our experience with DUI, traffic, and criminal defense helps us build strong responses from the start.
What To Do If You Are Charged
If you or a loved one is charged with an underage DUI:
- Do not talk to police without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Call a qualified Denver DUI lawyer right away.
- Keep records of all notices from the DMV and court.
- Attend all hearings and hearings on time.
We tell clients the same thing: do not wait. Charges escalate with silence and delay. The sooner we are involved, the more options we can protect.
How We Handle Zero Tolerance Cases
At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we:
- Review all police and DMV paperwork.
- Investigate the traffic stop and testing procedures.
- Challenge inaccurate or unlawful evidence.
- Represent you at DMV and criminal court hearings.
We do not assume guilt. We look for errors, weak evidence, and lawful defenses that work in real Colorado practice. We understand the local judges, prosecutors, and court expectations. Our goal is to protect your future from a mistake today.
What You Should Expect From Us
When you call us, you get:
- Clear communication.
- Honest evaluation of risks and defenses.
- Immediate attention to deadlines.
- A strategy tailored to your situation.
We know how stressful DUI charges can be. You have a lot at stake. We treat every case seriously and aggressively.
Call Us For A Free Consultation
Underage DUI charges are serious. Acting quickly can protect your driver’s license, record, and future goals. If you or a loved one is facing an underage DUI in Colorado, contact the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani for a free consultation. Let us review your case and help you make informed decisions. We defend people every day in Denver and throughout Colorado.