What Are the Penalties for a DUI?
DUI charges are not lenient anywhere, especially in Colorado. Even if it is your first offense, you may face 5 days to 1 year in jail plus fines between $600 and $1,000. There will also be court costs, community service, probation, revocation of your driver’s license, and mandated drug or alcohol education classes.
The penalties can increase if your blood alcohol level (BAC) is high. You will also face more serious consequences if you have a prior DUI conviction, even if that conviction occurred in another U.S. state.
Common Penalties for First-Time DUI Convictions in Denver
In Colorado, a first-time DUI is charged as a misdemeanor. It will typically result in jail time that ranges from 5 days up to 1 year. It will also include a fine that could be as much as $1,000, 2 years of probation, driver’s license revocation for 9 months, up to 96 hours of community service, and alcohol or drug education classes.
Understanding DWAI Penalties
In Colorado, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is considered a DUI. However, a DWAI charge may be applied if your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%. This lesser charge may result in 2 days to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $500, community service up to 48 hours, and 8 points on your driver’s license.
What to Know About Penalties for High BAC
If you are arrested for having a BAC of 0.15% or higher, it is given the classification of ‘persistent drunk driver.’ The penalties increase too, much as they do for consecutive DUI convictions.
If you are convicted of DUI with a high BAC, then there are added penalties that require you to take level II alcohol education classes. This involves 24 hours of education plus 26 total two-hour sessions of treatment. You will also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on any car that you drive.
Penalties for DUI of Drugs
In Denver, DUI for drugs and DUI for alcohol are punished in the same way. The drug in question could be a legal one that you are prescribed by your doctor or street drugs. The law does not care which type of drugs you are on at the time of driving under the influence.
Even though recreational marijuana use is legal in the state, you are not permitted to drive while using it. The same is true if you have a valid medical marijuana card. You will still be charged with DUI if you are impaired behind the wheel.
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make with a DUI Charge
Getting arrested for a DUI could mean you face serious consequences if you are convicted. Keep in mind that no matter what happens, you will be facing the consequences in your life from higher insurance premiums to potential job loss. This stigma can be far-reaching and impact your life in many ways. Maybe you exercised poor judgment by getting yourself into this situation, but there is one additional mistake you should avoid making at all costs.
Many people that are arrested for a first-time DUI assume that the courts will be lenient if they have no prior record. They try to represent themselves and wind up with the harshest of available penalties. Do not make this mistake or even settle for a public defender. It is imperative that you work with a Denver DUI lawyer to make sure you’re doing everything right in your defense.