DUI Defense Attorney in Arvada

Committed to Protecting Your Rights & Freedom

At Fife Luneau, P.C., we understand that facing DUI charges in Arvada can be a daunting experience. Our dedicated team is committed to defending your rights and minimizing the impact of these charges on your life. We bring the advantage of extensive experience and a detail-oriented approach to ensure you receive a fair process.

Navigating a DUI charge involves understanding intricate legal processes, which can often be confusing for those unfamiliar with legal procedures. Our team is deeply familiar with local Arvada laws, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly analyzed. This deep knowledge equips us to preemptively address potential challenges specific to Colorado, like variations in BAC testing equipment used by local law enforcement. 

Additionally, we leverage our understanding of the Arvada court system to develop strategies that consider local judge and prosecutor tendencies. This strategic foresight can be a significant advantage in achieving reductions or dismissals in charges.

 Call (720) 408-7130 or reach out online to speak with a DUI attorney in Arvada today. Free consultations. 24/7 availability.

Understanding DUI Laws in Colorado

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1301, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, to the degree that they are substantially incapable of safely driving.

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• You were operating or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.
• You were impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.
• The impairment rendered you incapable of safe vehicle operation.

Colorado law also recognizes:

• DUI Per Se – Operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, regardless of actual impairment.
• DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) – A lesser offense involving a BAC of 0.05% to 0.079%.
• DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) – Operating a vehicle with any level of impairment due to drugs, including marijuana, prescription medication, or illegal substances.

Classifications of DUI Offenses in Colorado

• First-Offense DUI (Misdemeanor) – No prior DUI within the past five years.
• Second or Subsequent Offense – Harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
• Aggravated DUI – High BAC (0.15% or above), accidents causing injury or death, or driving with a suspended/revoked license.
• Felony DUI – A fourth or subsequent DUI, or DUI causing serious bodily injury or death, is charged as a felony under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.1.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of DUI Convictions in Colorado

Depending on prior convictions, BAC level, and aggravating factors, consequences may include:

• Fines – $600 to $1,500 for misdemeanors; substantially higher for felonies.
• Jail/Prison Time – From 5 days in jail for a first offense up to 6 years in prison for felony DUI.
• License Suspension – 9 months for a first offense; 1–2 years for repeat offenses.
• Probation – Common for first-time offenders, lasting up to 2 years.
• Community Service – 48–120 hours for misdemeanor convictions.
• Alcohol Education/Treatment – Required for most convictions.
• Ignition Interlock Device – Mandatory for certain BAC levels or repeat offenses.

A DUI conviction reaches far beyond the courtroom: Licensing boards may impose disciplinary actions, and certain careers — particularly in transportation, law enforcement, or healthcare — may be out of reach. Background checks can limit future job opportunities, and some employers have zero-tolerance policies for criminal convictions.

A conviction can lead to higher insurance premiums, difficulties securing rental housing, loss of firearm rights in felony cases, and travel restrictions to certain countries. Social stigma often affects relationships, reputation, and mental health. For non-citizens, DUI convictions may trigger immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings.

The Colorado Criminal Defense Process for DUI Charges

Navigating a DUI charge in Colorado can be an intimidating process, from the initial traffic stop to a potential trial. Our firm provides a step-by-step overview of the criminal defense process in Colorado, outlining each crucial stage. Having an experienced DUI attorney in Arvada is vital to ensure your rights are protected and to build a robust defense from the very beginning.

1. Investigation
   Traffic stops often begin with an officer observing alleged erratic driving. This stage may involve field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, or chemical tests. Having a DUI attorney in Arvada early can help challenge the legality of the stop or testing procedures.
2. Arrest and Booking
   If arrested, you’ll be taken to the station for booking and formal processing. Colorado’s Express Consent Law requires chemical testing, and refusal can lead to automatic license suspension.
3. Administrative License Proceedings
   You have only 7 days from your arrest to request a hearing with the Colorado DMV to contest your license suspension. This is separate from the criminal court process.
4. Arraignment
   Your first court appearance where formal charges are read, and you enter a plea. Our role is to advise on whether to plead, seek dismissal, or begin negotiations.
5. Discovery and Investigation
   We review police reports, dashcam footage, lab results, and witness statements to identify inconsistencies or violations of your rights.
6. Pre-Trial Motions
   This may include motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit admissibility of certain statements or test results.
7. Plea Negotiations
   We negotiate for charge reductions (e.g., DUI to DWAI), deferred judgments, or alternative sentencing options.
8. Trial
   If negotiations fail, we present a comprehensive defense before a judge or jury, challenging the state’s evidence and presenting alternative explanations.
9. Sentencing
   If convicted, sentencing follows. We argue for minimal penalties, treatment-based options, or community corrections when possible.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION