Do Multiple DUIs Make a Difference in Colorado?
Driving under the influence is a serious crime in Colorado. Some people believe that you are only legally drunk if your BAC is 0.08 percent and above or can only be drunk if you are stumbling around on the road. The truth is that there is no bright line definition of what is considered to be drunk and this is why many people are arrested for DUI even though they are not acting drunk.
In the state of Colorado, a person is deemed “Under the influence” if they have a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.08 or more. However, you can still be charged with a DUI if you test below 0.08 or if you refuse to submit to a chemical test while appearing under the influence. You will be charged with a DUI if you can not drive your vehicle safely.
Even though it is important to always be alert to the dangers of operating a vehicle under the influence, the fact of the matter is that most people who get into an accident did not intend to do so. Whitaker & Penix, LLC has an experienced team of lawyers that can help with these sensitive situations. Contact us at (970) 368-0602 to help you with your DUI.
Punishments For DUI’s In Colorado
The penalties for DUI in Colorado are severe and can include jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education classes. Colorado law requires that anyone convicted of a DUI to complete an alcohol education program approved by the state. The program’s length depends on the offender’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the arrest.
A first offense with a BAC of .08 or higher, but less than .17, carries a mandatory sentence of four days in jail. The fine for this offense is between $600 and $1000, and the offender’s license will be suspended for nine months. First offenses with a BAC of .17 or higher carries a mandatory sentence of ten days in jail. The fine for this offense is between $1000 and $1500, and the offender’s license will be suspended for one year.
Second DUI offenses within seven years of the first offense carries a mandatory sentence of ninety days in jail. Fines for this offense is between $1500 and $2500, and the offender’s license will be suspended for eighteen months.
A third DUI offense within seven years of the first offense carries a mandatory sentence of one hundred eighty days in jail. The fine for this offense is between $2000 and $3000, and the offender’s license will be suspended for three years.
Steps To Take After a DUI Arrest
You will likely face severe penalties if arrested for multiple DUIs in Colorado. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, attend alcohol education classes, and perform community service. You may also be sentenced to jail time and must pay hefty fines. If you are facing multiple DUI charges in Colorado, you must consult an experienced DUI defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
If you have been arrested for DUI, you need the help of a qualified Colorado DUI arrest lawyer from Whitaker & Penix, LLC. A DUI arrest can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record. A DUI defense lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system, ensure that your rights are protected, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call (970) 368-0602 today for an immediate consultation!