If you’ve been stopped for a DUI, Contact
an Attorney as soon as possible.
I have been charged with driving under the influence, when should I get an attorney?
When charged with driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired it is important to consult with counsel as soon as possible as there are important
decisions to make regarding your license. There are often two problems with alcohol driving offenses, problems with your license and problems with the Colorado law. An attorney can
guide you through these issues.
What is DUI and DWAI?
DUI is shorthand for Driving Under the Influence. A person is guilty of DUI if he or she drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and is substantially
under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance to the extent that his or her mental faculties are impaired or when his or her blood
alcohol level (BAC) is above the legal limit of .08 for driving under the influence and .05 for driving while ability impaired which means impairment to even the slightest
degree.
Can I still be in trouble for driving, even if my BAC is below the legal limit?
Yes. It is also unlawful to drive with your normal faculties impaired. Normal faculties are those faculties of a person, such as the ability to walk, talk, judge
distances, drive an automobile, make judgments, act in emergencies, etc. Cases have been taken to trial by prosecutors where there was no test result, or where the result shows less
than the legal limit. However, Colorado law shows a presumption you were not impaired if the test results are less than .08.
Does the car have to be moving for me to be guilty of DUI?
No. You can be arrested for DUI by driving while over the legal BAC in your state or while impaired. But, you need not actually operate the car in order to be arrested.
You can still be found guilty if you had the capability and power to dominate, direct, or regulate the vehicle, regardless of whether you were exercising that capability or
power at the time of the arrest. In other words, simply sitting behind the wheel with the keys in the ignition can lead to your arrest for DUI by being in actual physical
control of the car.
Can I fight my DUI arrest?
Yes. You may request a review of the drivers license suspension by the department of motor vehicles within seven days following your arrest. If challenging the alcohol
content, the hearing officer will look to see if the officer had reason to stop you and whether there is a blood or breath test result greater than .08. If challenging a
refusal action the hearing officer will look to see if the officer had reason to stop you, reason to ask you to take a test and whether you refused to submit to a test of
your blood or breath.
If I am arrested for a DUI, will I lose my license?
Yes, the law enforcement officer will seize your license if you are arrested for DUI with an unlawful BAC of .08 or greater or after you refused to submit to a blood or
breath test. Your license will be seized, and the officer will issue you a traffic ticket and a notice or revocation. If you give a blood test, the officer will not seize
your license on the spot, but it may be revoked at a later date.
How long will I lose my license?
If you have refused to submit to a chemical or physical test, your license will likely be suspended for a period of one year. If you take a blood or breath test that is
greater than a .08, if the hearing officer finds that the officer had probable cause to pull you over and it is a valid test, the revocation is three months for a first
time and at least a year for subsequent offenses.
What else will happen to me?
In most cases where a plea is entered to an alcohol offense, there is an alcohol evaluation and treatment ordered by the Judge. There is mandatory community service and
court costs of at least $450.00. The possible maximum penalties include a year in jail and fines. The usual first time offender is given the chance at probation with
classes and community service. Repeat offenders face mandatory jail along with classes and probation. Multiple repeat offenders face maximum jail from most Judges.
What are my Miranda Rights?
When an officer has arrested a person and starts to ask them questions about a crime, the officer must first advise the person of their Constitutional rights. Most often,
the advisement is this:
– You have the right to remain silent.
– Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
– You have the right to be advised by an attorney before answering any questions.
– If you desire an attorney and cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you free of charge.
Will I be able to get my case dismissed because I was not read my rights?
Probably not. But if you were interrogated after being placed in custody, your statements can not be used against you.
What other rights do I have as a defendant?
1. You have the right to enter a plea of Not Guilty, and set your case for trial.
2. You have a right to a speedy trial. This means that, unless the defense requests a continuance or waives speedy trial, you must be tried within six months of entering a plea.
3. You have the right to an attorney. If you qualify, you may have an attorney appointed to represent you. This is usually done through the Colorado Public Defender’s Office.
4. You have the continued right to remain silent, and can not be forced to testify at trial. The decision to testify is yours and yours alone.
5. You have the right to be presumed innocent until the prosecution proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty of the crimes charged.
6. At trial, you have the right to call witnesses on your behalf (if necessary through a subpoena commanding witnesses to appear), and to cross examine the witnesses called to testify against you.
7. Finally, you have the right to appeal any ruling against you.
I already have two alcohol offenses. What will happen to my license if I have a third conviction?
Your license will be automatically revoked.
I have three serious offenses within seven years, what will become of my license?
It will be automatically revoked for five years as a Habitual Traffic Offender.
What will happen if I do not complete the classes or public service ordered by the Court?
You may have your probation revoked, and will be subject to possible jail time.
Colorado Criminal Law:
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding Criminal Law in the state of Colorado. If you have any questions regarding the information on this page, please contact one of our Criminal Defense Attorneys.
How much Jail/Prison time is possible for my case?
Jail and or prison time varies from case to case, depending on a defendant’s criminal record, the crime charged, and the specific facts of each case. The range of penalties for Felonies, Misdemeanors and DUI cases are listed in the tables below.
a. Misdemeanors:
| Class | Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 months $500 fine |
18 months $5,000 fine |
| 1 (Extraordinary Risk) |
6 months $500 fine |
24 months $5,000 fine |
| 2 | 3 months $250 fine |
12 months $1,000 fine |
| 3 | $50 fine | 6 months $750 fine |
| Extraordinary risk crimes include the following:
1. Child Abuse;
2. 3rd Degree Assault; 3. 3rd Degree Sex Assault prior to 07/01/2000; 4. Unlawful Sexual Contact, on and after 07/01/2000; 5. 2nd Degree Sexual Assault, prior to 07/01/2000; 6. Sexual Assault, on or after 07/01/2000; 7. Violation of a Restraining Order-2nd or subsequent offense; 8. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. |
||
a. Felonies:
What are my Miranda Rights and my rights as a defendant?
When an officer has arrested a person and starts to ask them questions about a crime, the officer must first advise the person of their Constitutional rights. Most often, the advisement is this:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
- You have the right to be advised by an attorney before answering any questions.
- If you desire an attorney and cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you free of charge.
What hearings are there in a felony case?
While what hearings are called and when and if certain hearings are held can vary from case to case and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, generally, the following cases apply to every felony case in Colorado:
Criminal Hearings:
Only certain cases are eligible for a PH: Any class 1, 2 or 3 felony is eligible, regardless of the specific crime charged. Class 4,5 and 6 felonies are generally not eligible for a PH, unless the crime is a sexual offense, crime of violence, or requires mandatory sentencing. In addition, class 4-6 felonies may be PH eligible if a defendant is in custody.
b. Pre-Trial Conference: If you are not PH eligible, or if you have waived your PH, you may have a Pre-Trial Conference (PTC). A PTC is for your attorney and the prosecuting attorney to discuss the case, including a possible plea deal. This hearing may also be held in District Court after the case is bound over, but the purpose of the PTC remains the same. At the District Court level, this hearing may also be called a dispositional hearing, or may be combined with a dispositional hearing. The purpose of a dispositional hearing is typically for a defendant to accept a plea bargain and enter a guilty plea.
c. Arraignment: Once your case is bound over to District Court, your first hearing is usually the arraignment. An arraignment is the hearing where you are formally advised of the charges against you, your rights as a defendant, and where you will either enter a plea of guilty based on a plea bargain offer or not guilty and the case will be set for a motions hearing and a trial.
d. Motions Hearing: A motions hearing is held to argue any motions filed by either the prosecution or the defense. Motions filed by the prosecution usually involve evidence the prosecution wishes to introduce at trial, while defense motions typically seek to limit evidence introduced at trial. As every case is different, there are many motions that may be filed, or no motions may be filed.
e. Trial: The trial is the portion of the case where the prosecution seeks to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a defendant committed the crimes charged. In felony cases, with very few, if any, exceptions, the trial will be to a jury of 12 people drawn from the district where the Court has jurisdiction. In most felony cases, the jury trial will last more than 1 day.
f. Sentencing: If you are found guilty at trial, or if you have entered a guilty plea at an earlier hearing, you will typically need to return for sentencing. Depending on the type of case and the possible penalties, you may be sentenced to probation, jail, prison, a halfway house, or a combination of these. This hearing is usually held 6-8 weeks after a plea or verdict of guilty, so a defendant can be evaluated for probation, community corrections (halfway house, etc). In some cases, a defendant may be sentenced immediately after a verdict or plea of guilty. Also, some crimes will not allow a defendant to stay out on bond between a guilty plea or verdict and sentencing, causing a defendant to be taken into custody immediately. In other cases, a defendant will be required to obtain a “consent of surety” from the person who posted the bond in their case (usually a licensed bail bondsman).
If such consent is not received by the Court, a defendant will either need to post a new bond, or will remain in custody until sentencing (and beyond if sentenced to jail or prison).
What hearings are there in a Misdemeanor case?
For the most part, the hearings in a Misdemeanor case are essentially the same as a felony case. However, no misdemeanor case is eligible for a Preliminary Hearing.
Do I need to show up for court if I have a lawyer?
In almost all cases, you will need to show up for court even if you have a lawyer. Failure to appear can cause a bench warrant to be issued, a hold to be placed on your driver’s license, additional fees and costs to be imposed, and if you are on bond, failure to appear will cause your bond to be revoked. If your bond is revoked, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest, and any bond set by the Court will be much higher than the previous bond amount. In some cases, usually minor traffic cases, it may be possible to have your appearance waived by the Court. Ask your attorney for details.
What time should I show up for Court?
For a first appearance in a case, the summons or bond information sheet will show you what time to appear for court. If you have been to court already, they will usually issue you a document that says when the hearing begins. It is always best if you plan your trip to show up 15 minutes before your hearing begins.
