Denver / Boulder / Fort Collins DUI Defense Attorney
Drunk driving is a serious matter in Colorado, and a DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your life. Even a first offense can result in serious consequences, including jail time and substantial fines. In addition, if you are convicted, you can face a wide range of collateral consequences, such as serious sanctions imposed by your employer or school. Fortunately, in many cases, the representation of an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Boulder can help mitigate the consequences you are facing and protect your future.
Colorado DUI Basics
Under Colorado law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or greater. In addition, it is illegal to drive if you are substantially incapable of operating a vehicle, regardless of your BAC. This fact means that you can be charged with a crime even if your BAC is under .08. Finally, Colorado has a separate offense of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), which criminalizes driving with a BAC of .05 to .08 percent. While it is a lesser offense than DUI, a DWAI conviction can still result in significant penalties and other issues.
The Consequences of DUI in Colorado
The penalties you can face for drinking and driving in Colorado will depend on a number of factors, including your criminal history and the circumstances of your arrest. For example, if you are caught driving drunk with a child in the car or have multiple DUI convictions on your record, you will be facing much stiffer penalties than someone charged with their first DUI with no aggravating factors.
Some of the penalties that you could face after a DUI conviction include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- The loss of your driver's license
- Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
- Community service
- Probation
- The installation of an ignition interlock on your car
If you are convicted, you could face other consequences that could last much longer than any court-ordered sentence. For example, you could experience difficulty renting an apartment, getting a job, getting into a college or university, or obtaining a professional license - all because of one DUI conviction in your past.
An Attorney Can Defend Your Rights and Protect Your Future
Thankfully, there are often many ways that an attorney can protect your future and resolve your case more favorably than you could on your own. In a best-case scenario, your lawyer may be able to get your case dismissed or the charges against you significantly reduced. This often occurs when the police make mistakes in their investigation. Similarly, if the state's case is weak, your attorney could take your case to trial to seek an acquittal.
More commonly, a lawyer will negotiate a favorable plea bargain that avoids the most serious consequences associated with a DUI charge. In some cases, your attorney may be able to get you into a diversion program that allows you to avoid a conviction appearing on your record at all.
Call Us Today to Discuss Your Case with a Denver / Boulder / Fort Collins DUI Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested for drunk or drugged driving in Colorado, it's in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney as soon as you can. At Flatiron Legal, we understand how serious a DUI conviction can be, and we'll do everything we can to resolve your case as favorably as possible. To schedule a free consultation with a DUI defense attorney, call our office today at 303-586-1961 or contact us online.