What is a DUI?

WHAT IS A DUI?

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. But what is a DUI really? In short, someone may be charged with a DUI if they are operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit – which in Colorado is .08.

Have you been arrested or charged with a DUI in Denver? Do not speak to police or investigators before speaking to an attorney! No matter the situation, we can help. We have successfully represented hundreds of clients in Colorado and can help you too. Whether you are facing a DUI or a DWI or any other criminal charge, the experienced DUI lawyers at Chaput Law will fight tooth and nail to give you the best possible defense.

WHAT IS A DUI? A DENVER DUI ATTORNEY HAS THE ANSWERS

If you have been charged with a DUI in Denver or the surrounding area, often the first question is whether or not you should hire an attorney. The quick answer is yes, you should always speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Decline to answer any questions from police or prosecutors until you speak with an attorney! Even when I was a Deputy District Attorney I would advise people to speak with an attorney before making decisions. Having an attorney present is a right given to us by the United States Constitution and one that everyone should take advantage of.

An experienced Denver DUI Attorney will be able to break down all of the legalize being thrown at you and explain, in common terms, exactly what a DUI is, what you specifically are being charged with, and what the potential penalties and repercussions could be.

If you are charged and convicted of DUI, it can impact all aspects of your life. It can affect your job, your ability to drive, ability to leave the state, and ultimately your freedom. A Denver DUI Defense Attorney can help explain the impact that a criminal conviction will have on your life.

Colorado DUI law has many nuances and technical aspects that an experienced Colorado DUI lawyer can work through with you to help you make an informed decision for your particular situation. Without an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side, you may not know if the police had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, whether they had probable cause to request a test of your blood, and whether all the proper steps were followed when testing the blood. A mistake or oversight by the police on any one of those aspects can have a big impact on how a case proceeds. You do not want to leave your livelihood and your liberty to chance. Retaining a Colorado DUI attorney will put someone in your corner who knows what to look for in a case and will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.

If you have been charged with a DUI and particularly if you have limited knowledge of DUI law, it’s always smart to at least speak to an experienced DUI attorney about the options before you make a plea or talk to prosecutors. Speaking with a Colorado DUI Attorney as soon as possible will always help to increase the chances of a favorable outcome of your case. When you hire an attorney it becomes their duty to advocate on your behalf and fight the District Attorney in court to give you the best possible outcome for your particular DUI charges.

If you have doubts about whether your rights were violated during or after your DUI arrest, or if you need someone to look at your situation give you straightforward, no-pressure advice on what you should expect from your DUI charges, reach out to us right away.

The answer to that question often depends on your particular situation and if you have any previous DUI convictions. Some factors that will have an impact on how much a DUI attorney will charge include whether it is a first or subsequent offense, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and the other specific details of the charges. Of course, each case is different and you may or may not have factors involved in your case that would allow it to be dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. The only way to know for sure is to contact us today for a free, 100% honest assessment of your situation.

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What is a DUI? Here’s what you need to know about the potential penalties:

First DUI

A first time DUI in Colorado is generally a misdemeanor and could come with any of the following penalties

• Community service – 48-96 hours
• License suspension – 9 months
• DMV points off your license – 12 points
• Jail time – 5 days – 1 year
• Fines – $600 – $1,000

Second DUI

A second DUI in Colorado is also generally a misdemeanor and could come with any of the following penalties

• Community service – 48 – 120 hours
• License suspension – 1 year
• Ignition interlock device – 2 years
• DMV points off your license – 12 points
• Jail time – 10 days – 1 year
• Fines – $600 – $1,500

Third DUI

A third DUI in Colorado is also generally a misdemeanor and could come with any of the following penalties

• Community service – 48 – 120 hours
• License suspension – 2 years
• Ignition interlock device – 2 years
• DMV points off your license – 12 points
• Jail time – 60 days to 1 year
• Fines – $600 – $1,500

Fourth and Subsequent DUI

A fourth or subsequent DUI in Colorado is generally a felony and could come with any of the following penalties

• Jail time – 2 – 6 years with a 3-year parole
• Fines – $2,000 – $500,000

DWAI

A first time DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) in Colorado is generally a misdemeanor and could come with any of the following penalties

• Community service – 24 – 48 hours
• DMV points off your license – 8 points
• Jail time – 2 – 180 days
• Fines – $200 – $500