 ■ DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE IN COLORADO
Colorado Springs DUI Defense Attorney Sarah Christensen
If you have been charged with drunk driving in El Paso County, you should contact a experienced Colorado Springs DUI Defense Lawyer immediately to ensure that your rights are protected. Colorado not only has strict DUI law, they also have a Driving while Ability Impaired (DWAI) law which makes it illegal to operate a vehicle with a much lower alcohol concentration. If you are charged with either a DUI or a DWAI, you may lose your license as well as pay heavy fines and possible jail time.
In Colorado, anyone operating a vehicle on state roads automatically gives their consent to blood, breath or urine testing. If you refuse to submit to a test, your license will be revoked for one year, according to Colorado House Bill 1166. Under Colorado law, the DWAI law starts at 0.05% Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) and the DUI law starts at a concentration of 0.08% or greater. Choosing to drink and drive can have dire consequences in the state of Colorado and losing your license is just the beginning.
If you seriously injure or kill another person while driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be facing more serious consequences including years in prison and a conviction of vehicular manslaughter. An expert defense attorney will investigate your case to ensure that your rights were not violated and that all charges against you are valid and accurate.
Drunk Driving Fines and Penalties:
. First DUI Conviction: If this is your first conviction, you will be fined $300-$1000 and spend between 5 days and 1 year in jail with 48-96 hours mandatory public service. In addition your license will be revoked for one year.
. Second DUI Conviction: In addition to paying $500-$1500, you will be sentenced to 90 days to 1 year in jail with 60-120 hours of mandatory public service. You will also receive 12 points towards driver's license suspension.
. First DWAI Conviction: In addition to paying a fine of $100-$500, you will spend 2-180 days in jail with 24-48 hours of mandatory public service and 8 points towards driver's license suspension.
. Second DWAI Conviction: In addition to paying $300-$1000, you will spend 45 days to 1 year in jail and complete 48-96 hours of community service. Your license will also be revoked for one year.
. DWAI after a previous DUI: In addition to paying $400-$1200 fine, you will spend 60 days to 1 year in jail and complete 52-104 hours of community service. Your license will also be revoked for one year.
. DUI after a previous DWAI: In addition to paying a fine of $450-$1500, you will spend 70 days to 1 year in jail and complete 56-112 hours of community service. Your license will also be revoked for one year.
In the state of Colorado, you may be eligible for a reduction in your sentence if you attend an alcohol treatment program.
If you are charged with drunk driving, don't let the system destroy your life. DUI charges can affect job status, insurance payments and the ability to find work in the future. Luckily, someone is in your corner. Sarah Christensen is an experienced Colorado Springs DUI Defense Attorney. Put her on your side to negotiate lighter sentencing, reduction in fines and a faster return of your driver's license, so you can breathe a little easier. Call (719) 634-7770 today. |
