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Colorado DUI Penalties

Colorado DUI Penalties

Experienced Defense From Our DUI Attorney In Denver  

In Colorado, you can be charged with two different types of alcohol-related driving offenses: Driving Under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI) and Driving While Ability is Impaired (DWAI). If you’ve been arrested and charged with either offense, you’re going to need an experienced and aggressive Denver DUI lawyer to represent your case.

Colorado law is very strict when it comes to convicting DUI and DWAI offenses. Without skilled legal representation, you may find yourself facing severe legal penalties and a detrimental mark on your criminal record. At Fife Luneau, P.C., our Denver DUI attorneys can advocate on your behalf and defend your rights in court.


Have you been charged with a DUI? Call Fife Luneau, P.C. today at (720) 408-7130 or contact us online to avoid the harsh DUI penalties in Colorado! 


Colorado DUI Laws 

In Colorado, you can be charged with a DUI or a DWAI based on your blood alcohol concentration level (BAC). Per the state’s DWAI law, a 0.05% BAC level indicates that you are not mentally or physically capable of safely operating a vehicle. If you’re arrested on a DWAI charge, you may be facing a misdemeanor conviction and severe legal penalties. If your BAC level is at 0.08% or higher, you are driving above Colorado’s “legal limit” and may be charged with a DUI.

Administrative DUI Penalties

Administrative penalties are separate from criminal penalties and can impact your legal ability to drive in the future. It’s important to note that the Division of Motor Vehicles has the legal authority to suspend your license and charge you fees based on your current offense and any prior convictions. You have 7 days to request a DMV hearing if you want to challenge your license suspension.

What are the Penalties for a DUI in Colorado? 

  • 1st Offense
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $600-$1,000 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • License suspension for 9 months
    • 48-96 hours of public service
  • 2nd Offense
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $600-$1,500 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • License suspension for 1 year
    • 48-120 hours of public service
    • Ignition interlock device for 2 years
  • 3rd Offense
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $600-$1,500 fine
    • 12 points on your DMV record
    • License suspension for 2 years
    • 48-120 hours of public service
    • Ignition interlock device for 2 years
  • DUI with a Previous DWAI
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $800-$1,200 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • 52-104 hours of public service

What are the Penalties for a DWAI in Colorado?

  • 1st Offense
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $200-$500 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • 24-48 hours of public service
  • 2nd Offense
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $600-$1,500 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • License suspension for 1 year
    • 48-120 hours of public service
    • Ignition interlock device for 2 years
  • 3rd Offense
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $600-$1,500 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • License suspension for 2 years
    • 48-120 hours of public service
    • Ignition interlock device for 2 years
  • DWAI with a Previous DUI
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • $900-$1,500 fine
    • 8 points on your DMV record
    • 56-112 hours of public service

Is a DUI a Felony in Colorado? 

A DUI or DWAI charge can become a Colorado Class 4 Felony if you have 3 prior DUI/DWAI convictions or are charged with vehicular homicide or assault. If you are convicted, you may be facing 2-6 years in prison, 3 years of mandatory parole, and could pay fines up to $500,000. 

Contact Our Denver DUI Lawyers Today 

Being arrested for a DUI or DWAI charge can be overwhelming without a skilled litigator to defend your case. If you require legal representation, look no further than the experienced and trial-tested Denver DUI attorneys at Fife Luneau, P.C. We work tirelessly to protect the rights of our clients, and because we aren’t afraid to go the distance, we have successfully represented thousands of DUI cases in Colorado.


Contact Fife Luneau, P.C. today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Denver DUI lawyers today! 


 

  • DUI Acquittal
  • Careless Driving
  • Careless Driving
  • Attempted Murder, Assault, Menacing with a Deadly Weapon, Distribution of Marijuana
  • Assault in the Third Degree (Domestic Violence)

Because Results Matter

Recent Case Victories

Fife Luneau, P.C. is one of the most respected law firms when it comes to DUI and criminal defense cases. We have a remarkable track record up and down the Front Range, successfully handling some of the most complex cases.

  • DUI Acquittal
  • Careless Driving
  • Careless Driving
  • Attempted Murder, Assault, Menacing with a Deadly Weapon, Distribution of Marijuana
  • Assault in the Third Degree (Domestic Violence)

Need Answers?

WE'VE GOT THEM!
  • Will my license be suspended if I am arrested for DUI?
    When you have been charged with driving under the influence, the DMV will begin the license suspension process. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you can face a suspension of up to five years. Challenging a license suspension requires you to request a DMV hearing within seven days of you being pulled over. The results of this trial may be a probationary license that allows you to keep driving or the installation of an interlock ignition device that will allow you to drive only after you have proven your sobriety.
  • How are DUI and DWAI offenses different?

    DUI, or driving under the influence, is usually charges as a misdemeanor that arises when you blood alcohol content is .08% or above. Driving while ability impaired, or DWAI, is an infraction when your BAC is higher than .05 but less than .08. DUI offenses carry more serious charges, including up to a year in jail, $1,000 in fines, and community service. A DWAI conviction will result in up to 180 days in jail, $200 in fines, and up to 48 hours of community service. Our Denver DUI lawyers can challenge the results of breath and blood tests and have a successful record in many cases.

  • Can’t I just accept the consequences of an arrest and move on?

    It can be incredibly stressful to face a first offense but accepting your conviction will not simply allow you to move on. When you have a criminal record, many avenues become barred for you, including some professional licenses, the ability to join the military, and having other rights that are granted to citizens. At Fife Luneau, P.C., our Denver criminal defense attorneys work hard to fight for you and your record.