First Offense DUI in Aurora
Aurora DUI Defense From Attorneys With 35+ Years of Colorado Courtroom Experience
A first DUI arrest in Aurora, Colorado sets two clocks running at once. The criminal case begins immediately, and a separate DMV administrative process starts the moment you’re taken into custody. You have seven days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. Miss that window, and your license is automatically revoked before a judge hears a single word of your case. At Fife Luneau, P.C., we pick up the phone around the clock because that window doesn’t wait for business hours.
Our firm has handled thousands of DUI cases since 1990, carrying a 90%+ success rate across that caseload. We serve clients throughout the Denver metro area, including Aurora, and our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Association. National television networks and media outlets regularly consult us on Colorado DUI law. Free and virtual consultations are available, and our flat-fee structure means the number quoted at the start of your case is the number you pay.
The decisions you make in the first 48 hours matter. Call Fife Luneau, P.C. at (720) 408-7130 any time, day or night, to speak with an attorney about your case.
What Colorado Law Actually Charges You With
Colorado prosecutes impaired driving under three overlapping theories, and understanding which applies to your situation shapes every defense decision. Under C.R.S. 42-4-1301, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher faces a DUI charge. DUI Per Se is a separate but related charge focused entirely on the numeric BAC result, independent of whether the driver appeared visibly impaired at the time of the stop.
DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) applies at BAC levels between 0.05% and 0.079%, or when a driver’s ability is impaired to any noticeable degree. Colorado is one of the few states that prosecutes at this lower threshold. A first-time DUI or DWAI in Aurora is typically a misdemeanor, though a fourth offense becomes a Class 4 felony under state law.
One threshold carries immediate additional consequences: a BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers the Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) designation, which carries a two-year ignition interlock requirement regardless of how the rest of the case resolves.
Aurora’s Dual-County Court Structure
Aurora is one of the few cities in Colorado that straddles two county jurisdictions, and the location of your traffic stop determines which court system handles your criminal case. Stops in the southern portion of the city route to Arapahoe County Combined Courts in Centennial. Stops in the northern portion route to Adams County Court in Brighton, in the 17th Judicial District. These two courts have different prosecutors, different tendencies, and different procedural rhythms. An attorney who works both venues regularly brings a practical advantage.
Penalties for a First DUI Conviction in Colorado
The statutory criminal penalties for a first offense include jail time ranging from 5 days to 1 year, though many first offenders receive probation alternatives. A BAC of 0.20% or higher triggers a mandatory minimum of 10 days. Statutory fines run from $600 to $1,000, but court costs, trauma center fees, and surcharges routinely push the actual total well above $2,000.
Additional consequences of a first conviction typically include:
- License revocation: 9 months for a first conviction; refusal of chemical testing results in a minimum one-year revocation with no early reinstatement for the first two months
- Community service: 48 to 96 hours of useful public service
- Probation: Up to two years, supervised or unsupervised
- Mandatory education: Level II Alcohol Education and Therapy classes, which can extend for several months
The long-term consequences reach well beyond the sentence itself. A DUI conviction in Colorado is permanent for alcohol-related driving offenses. The state doesn’t allow sealing or expungement of these records. That conviction can restrict international travel, including entry into Canada, affect professional licensing, and raise auto insurance premiums for years. DWAI carries lighter criminal penalties but produces the same permanent record and the same collateral consequences.
How We Defend First Offense DUI Cases in Aurora
Our approach starts the moment a client calls. We don’t wait for the prosecution to disclose evidence. We immediately locate and subpoena surveillance video, work with investigators, and pull breathalyzer maintenance logs and officer training records before that material disappears or becomes harder to obtain.
Defense angles we evaluate in every first DUI case include:
- Probable cause for the traffic stop: Whether the stop was lawful in the first place
- Express Consent compliance: Whether the Colorado Express Consent Law request was properly made and administered
- Field sobriety test conditions: Body-cam footage often reveals environmental factors or improper officer instructions that may have affected test performance
- Breath and blood test reliability: Machine calibration records, chain-of-custody documentation for blood samples, and rising BAC defenses
- Testing equipment records: Specific maintenance and calibration logs for the device used in your case
The criminal case and the DMV administrative hearing run on separate tracks with different deadlines and different standards of proof. We handle both simultaneously. At the DMV stage, we subpoena the arresting officer, and the testimony developed there can surface inconsistencies that carry forward into the criminal proceedings. For first-time offenders without aggravating factors, we pursue diversion outcomes that may allow charges to be dismissed or significantly reduced upon completion of specified conditions, depending on the facts of the case. Our familiarity with both Arapahoe County Combined Courts and Adams County Court shapes how we position each Aurora defense.
Why Aurora Clients Choose Fife Luneau, P.C.
Our 90%+ success rate across thousands of cases reflects a preparation-driven approach to DUI defense built over 35 years. That track record isn’t incidental. Thorough case preparation is how we’ve built our reputation in Colorado DUI defense. Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Association have recognized our attorneys, and news outlets including national television networks regularly seek our perspective on Colorado DUI law. We defend clients in both state and federal courts, and our attorneys are available 24/7 by phone. Free and virtual consultations mean there’s no financial barrier to an initial conversation.
Protect Your License & Your Record: Contact Us Today
The seven-day window to request a DMV hearing is the most urgent deadline you face after a first DUI arrest in Aurora. Acting before that window closes can help protect your ability to drive while the criminal case proceeds. We handle the complete defense process: evidence gathering, DMV hearing representation, criminal case preparation, and court appearances in both Arapahoe County Combined Courts and Adams County Court.
Call Fife Luneau, P.C. now at (720) 408-7130. We’re available 24/7, and your free consultation carries no obligation.
Recent Case Victories
Because Results Matter
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Dismissed Aggravated Robbery, Assault, Violent Crime
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Dismissed Assault and Disorderly Conduct (Domestic Violence)
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Dismissed Assault in the Third Degree (Domestic Violence)
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Dismissed Attempted Murder, Assault, Menacing with a Deadly Weapon, Distribution of Marijuana
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Dismissed Careless Driving
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Dismissed Careless Driving
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“Charlie really helped me through a difficult situation. From the very beginning, he was upfront, honest and realistic about my case. Even though he is extremely busy, he was always quick to respond and took the time to provide thorough answers to all of my questions. What I appreciated most was his straightforward approach. He made it clear that if he believed he could win at trial, he would tell me, but that there was always a chance I could lose and that the final decision would always be mine. I ultimately chose to take my case to trial, which was incredibly nerve-wracking. Before trial, we had a motions hearing. Charlie had prepared a motion that was so well-written and supported by the evidence that the prosecutor decided to dismiss the case before Charlie even had to argue it. Seeing the case dismissed based on the strength of his work was a huge relief and a testament to his preparation, knowledge and attention to detail. What also stood out to me is that Charlie genuinely cares about helping people, and it shows. His years of experience are evident in everything he does, from his detailed communication throughout the process to his calm and confident demeanor in court. His emails thoroughly explained every step of the case, what to expect next and the possible outcomes. Whenever I had questions, he was almost always available for a call and took the time to make sure I understood what was happening. Because of Charlie's work, I avoided a DUI conviction, probation, fines, court costs and many of the long-term consequences that would have followed. The court also sealed the case after it was dismissed, allowing me to move forward with my life. I am incredibly grateful to Charlie and his partner Danny for their guidance and support throughout the process. If you're looking for attorneys who are honest, responsive, knowledgeable and truly dedicated to their clients, I highly recommend them.”- Johnny M.
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“This law firm was able to help a friend of mine in a difficult, new, and terrifying situation. They were able to reduce the charges to a reasonable agreement - and had exceptional courtroom delivery. If for any reason someone needs legal counsel in this area, I would wholeheartedly recommend Danny, and the rest of their firm, Fife and Luneau PC.”- Russell Beyer
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“Fife Luneau was a pleasure to do business with. They are very professional and thorough. Start to finish, well worth the money.- Joani Colwell-Shannon
Highly recommend their service!” -
“- Lani Grogan
I cannot recommend Danny and his team enough. From my very first call, he was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Danny and Jennifer took the time to explain every detail clearly, which gave me immense peace of mind during a stressful time. I am more than grateful for their efforts and getting the result we wanted.
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“- Chris
I can’t recommend Danny Luneau highly enough.
From day one, Danny was exactly what I needed: direct, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable. He never told me what I wanted to hear, he told me what I needed to hear. He was upfront about my chances, explained the strengths and weaknesses of my case, and laid out a strategy based on experience instead of false promises.
What stood out the most was that he was always one step ahead. Every time I had a question or concern, he had already thought about it and had a plan. He knew what arguments the prosecution was likely to make, what evidence actually mattered, what was worth fighting, and what wasn’t. Looking back, it felt like he was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
I was also incredibly impressed with his understanding of marijuana DUI law and the science behind THC impairment. He understood the limitations of blood THC levels, the problems with retrograde extrapolation, and why daily users shouldn’t automatically be viewed the same way as occasional users based solely on a number. He was prepared to bring in expert testimony if necessary and challenge the prosecution with science rather than assumptions. It was obvious he has spent years building expertise in this area.
Throughout the entire process, Danny was responsive, professional, and confident. Even when I was stressed out and asking a hundred questions, he always took the time to explain his thinking and why he was approaching the case the way he was.
In the end, my case was completely dismissed and sealed. I genuinely believe that outcome was the result of Danny’s experience, preparation, and strategic approach.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who will be honest with you, fight intelligently, and know exactly how to navigate the system, Danny Luneau is worth every penny. I couldn’t be more grateful for everything he and his team did for me and my family.
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“- Daniel Justice
In a tough spot you need the best around the Denver metro area. You can count on the Law office of Fife Luneau. Holding the government accountable when you matter most.
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“- David Tillotson
Charlie is a highly reputable class A pro. I have had the pleasure of being his client and definitely recommend him and his team.
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“Danny Luneau is a good man and an amazing attorney. I was facing a misdemeanor charge and had lost my job for a mistake I made. Danny was able to have the charges dismissed and now I can focus on getting my life better. Thank you Danny! This is the second time I have come to Danny for legal defense help and there is no one else I would go to if I were ever is need. I recommend you 10,000%, he does an outstanding job. I am truly grateful!”- Dan Miller
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“The DUI process is a scary one and can be very overwhelming at time. I would 1005 suggest getting in touch with Fife and Luneau attorneys to help. I got a DUI at the end of 2025 and work with Danny Luneau who was very helpful and pointed me in the right direction to help me get start and look better Infront of the Judge by setting me up with things that would be order by the courts and probation. By getting these things started early I will be able to get off probation early. He was also able to KEEP ME OUT OF JAIL which was one if the biggest priority's as my BAC was very very high. SO if you need help with a DUI look no farther the lawyers at Fife Luneau are exactly what you need to help with this hard point in your life!”- David Recob
