Need help from a Colorado DUI Lawyer?

Being arrested for DUI in Lakewood, Colorado can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a Colorado DUI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an assertive and experienced DUI attorney immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Lakewood?

Under Colorado law, you can be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). A DWAI violation results when the offender's BAC level is at least 0.05, but less than 0.08, while a DUI violation results when the offender's BAC is 0.08 or higher.

Under Colorado law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Colorado Department of Revenue. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Colorado driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Administrative Hearing

Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a Notice of Suspension and issued a 40 day temporary permit. If you do not request an administrative hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Colorado Department of Revenue within 15 days. Contact an accomplished and knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer in Colorado to help.

Pursuant to Colorado law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Colorado DOR.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Jail Time - In Lakewood, Colorado, a first time DUI offender faces imprisonment of 5 days, with a maximum of up to 1 year, however in some cases, the minimum mandatory jail time can be reduced if the offender agrees to attend an alcohol treatment program.
• Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DUI in Lakewood, Colorado can range between $300.00 and $1,000.00, plus court costs of up to $500.00.
• Colorado Driving Privileges and DUI - In Lakewood, Colorado, a first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of Colorado driving privileges for 3 months, however after 30 days, the offender may be eligible for a Probationary Driver's License.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of Colorado driver's license for 1 year.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DUI alcohol and drug remedial education program is required for reinstatement of Colorado driving privileges.

DWAI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - Fines for a first time DWAI can be range between $100.00 and $500.00.
• Driving Privileges - A DWAI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 3 months.
• Jail Time - A first time DWAI offender faces a minimum mandatory imprisonment of 2 days, with a maximum of up to 180 days.
• Public Service - Upon the court's assessment, a first time DUI offender must complete 24 to 48 hours of community service.

Additional Lakewood, Colorado DUI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DUI might include:

• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your driver's license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Lakewood, Colorado can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Lakewood, Colorado, which is another additional cost.

As you can see, there are quite a few "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DUI in Lakewood, Colorado.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Colorado, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an accomplished and knowledgeable defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Colorado DWAI attorney for a consultation.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.