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Colorado law prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two.
Colorado has an implied consent law, which means that drivers are deemed to have given consent to a chemical test if suspected of driving while under the influence. Failure to comply with a chemical test will lead to harsh penalties.
In the state of Colorado, a first-time offender is someone with no prior convictions in the state or the equivalent of prior convictions in other states.
In the state of Colorado, a first offense DUI is a misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to serious consequences.
A first-time DUI offender in Colorado faces the following penalties:
The state of Colorado does not have a lookback period. This means that all previous DUIs and DWAIs are relevant regardless of where and when they happened.
If an offender had a DUI conviction ten years ago and then got stopped in Colorado for a DUI today, the offense could be your second offense.
A DWAI, driving while ability impaired, is less severe than a DUI. Drivers will be charged with a DWAI if their BAC is between .05 and .08.
Penalties for a DWAI are:
Drivers won’t have their licenses revoked if this is their first DWAI conviction.
Offenders who have had their driving privileges suspended because of a DUI can have their license reinstated nine months after the suspension period.
Drivers may have their driving privileges reinstated earlier than the nine-month period if they complete an alcohol education course, a one-month suspension, and participate in an ignition interlock program for at least eight months.
If the offender chooses or is not able to reinstate early through the interlock program, the following steps will have to be taken for full reinstatement:
If a first-time offender refuses a chemical test, the period of revocation will last one year. The driver may be eligible for early reinstatement only after two months of revocation.
Offenders may be required to retake the written, eye, and road exams before having their driving privileges fully reinstated.
A first-time DUI offense in Colorado can have serious, life-changing consequences. If you are facing DUI charges, it is crucial to call a Colorado DUI attorney as soon as possible.