Colorado Attorneys Legal Blog
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.
What to Do After a Domestic Violence Arrest
Domestic abuse is a serious offense in Colorado. Even if you are only charged with a misdemeanor, you may be facing stiff fines, community service, counseling, anger management and domestic violence classes, and up to 24 months in jail.
Colorado is a mandatory arrest state, so if the police are called for a domestic dispute, they are required to separate the couple and least one person is going to jail. If you are arrested for domestic violence, you will have to spend at least one night and jail and you will probably be prevented from returning home for at least seven days.
Did You Suffer a Traumatic Injury in a Motorcycle Accident?
Riding a motorcycle has a lot of advantages. It’s fun, economical, and it gives you a great sense of freedom. But a motorcycle rider doesn’t have the same type of protection that an automobile provides. A car has seatbelts, airbags, and a steel frame to protect passengers. Motorcycles are also less visible on the road than cars.
Because a motorcycle rider is not protected by a secured cabin like an automobile driver, they only have their safety gear and a helmet to protect them. When a motorcycle crashes, the rider will hit the ground or collide with solid object such as another vehicle.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Required in Colorado?
Colorado requires police to have “reasonable suspicion” to pull over a vehicle or make a traffic stop. “Reasonable suspicion” dictates that an officer must have articulable facts that the driver is committing a crime. Some of these crimes that qualify include:
- Speeding
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Having a broken tail light
- Failing to signal for a lane change
Government Data Indicates Traffic Fatalities Shot up During the Pandemic
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) early estimates show that 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020. The agency attributes the increase to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Americans drove less in 2020 due to the pandemic, the number of miles driven per person increased. This combined with a decrease in the number of people using mass transit led to a rise in the number of people driving alone, which led to an increase in crashes and fatalities.
Report: Half of Drinkers Risk DUI
Enjoying a pleasant dinner out, a get together at a local bar or club, or a meeting with friends often involves consuming alcohol. Even if you are careful about how much you drink, a recent study reveals that almost half of drinkers underestimate their BAC (blood alcohol concentration), believe they are safe to drive, but are at risk of being charged with DUI.
The FBI Has Colorado on Its Radar for Internet Crimes
Internet crimes are on the rise in Colorado and across the nation. The CBI and FBI are focused on identifying, arresting, and charging any individual engaging in cybercrime. An FBI report reveals that in 2020, the total number of complaints increased to 791,790, almost 350,000 more than the prior year, leading to $4.2 billion in losses – about 2,000 complaints every day. 2020 was the worst year on record for internet crimes, many of which originated in Colorado. FBI agents on the cybercrime task force are hard at work in the state – and ready to arrest and charge any person they believe is committing internet crimes.
What Happens If You Refuse a DUI Test in Colorado?
Field sobriety tests are technically voluntary. You have the right to politely decline an officer’s command or request that you take a preliminary breathalyzer test, or PBT, on the side of the road. Roadside tests cannot be used against you in court, but tabletop test results are admissible. In fact, if you refuse a breath or blood test at the station a jury will typically assume you had something to hide and will not look favorably on your case.
Avoid DUI Penalties: Be Home for the Holidays
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for people under the age of 54. Last year, over 42,000 Americans died in car crashes according to the National Safety Council, an increase of about three thousand deaths over the previous year. We are happy to report that traffic fatalities went down by 2.4% in Colorado last year, and we would like to see this trend continue.
Retail Store Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall in a retail store can lead to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall while visiting a retail outlet, ensure you are represented by a premises liability attorney who will manage every aspect of the process of seeking compensation. Every case is unique in circumstances and degree of the injuries sustained, and the amount of compensation will vary.