We fight for the rights of coloradans all throughout Denver and Boulder
Most people need a criminal defense attorney to work their case after getting caught driving under the influence (DUI) in Boulder, especially when it was not their first offense. Dawson Law has years of experience fighting drunk driving charges throughout the Front Range, including Boulder, Broomfield, and Longmont.
We know DUI arrests are nerve-wracking, so we offer all our clients an initial consultation to discuss their cases and help them understand their legal options. Contact our Boulder DUI lawyer today to discuss next steps.
Driving Under the Influence in Colorado | Quick Facts
In Colorado, individuals can face various charges for operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. These include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving while ability impaired (DWAI)
- Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
- Underage drinking and driving (UDD)
Colorado enforces stringent DUI laws, with some DUI convictions potentially resulting in mandatory incarceration. For those with three or more prior convictions, they may even face felony DUI charges.
If arrested or charged with driving under the influence, the consequences can severely impact your life and reputation for years.
Potential penalties include jail time, court fines, community service, and probation. Beyond criminal repercussions, you may need to install an ignition interlock device and pay higher insurance premiums.
Prosecutors may also add related charges like vehicular assault, child abuse, or reckless driving, further escalating the severity of potential penalties.
Fortunately, our top-rated Denver DUI attorney can assist. They’ve helped thousands obtain case dismissals, reductions, or acquittals through skilled legal representation.
Act Quickly — You Only Have 7 Days to Request a DMV Hearing
Certain evidence must be collected promptly, or it becomes inadmissible. You only have seven days to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles to preserve your driving privileges after a DUI arrest or citation.
From the officer issuing a notice of revocation during the stop, you have 7 days to request a hearing. For breath tests exceeding 0.08 BAC, this notice occurs on the day of arrest. For blood tests, the notice arrives 3-6 weeks later with the results.
There is no immediate revocation or suspension for substances other than alcohol, regardless of quantity. If both drugs and alcohol are involved, the alcohol level must reach 0.08 BAC to trigger a revocation or suspension.
Every Criminal Case is Unique. We Take a Tailored Approach
Since no two cases are identical, we provide a customized strategy based on your specific details and circumstances. Relevant factors include your criminal history, driving record, and prior alcohol-related offenses. Case specifics like:
- Did you eat that night?
- Did you consent to standardized field sobriety testing or a portable breath test? Blood tests?
- Did officers have reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop? Probable cause for detainment and investigation?
Were you read your Miranda rights? Did officers follow protocol and their training?
These details impact evidence admissibility and whether law enforcement properly followed procedures. If mistakes occurred, grounds may exist for dismissal, acquittal, or significant charge reductions.
Our criminal defense attorney meticulously examines each case’s nuances, safeguarding your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome through a rigorous defense strategy.
Colorado DUI Laws | CO Code § 42-4-1301
The two most common types of drunk driving charges include DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired).
A DUI charge applies when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, while a DWAI charge applies when your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Colorado can be severe for a first offense under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1301 and may include:
- Jail time (up to one year for a first offense).
- Fines and court costs (up to $1,000 for a first offense).
- Driver’s license suspension (up to 9 months for a first offense).
- Alcohol education classes.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device.
Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, like mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions.
Many drivers are unaware of a state statute called the Express Consent Law, which requires drivers to submit to chemical testing of their breath or blood if arrested for DUI. Refusing to take a test can result in an automatic license revocation, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
Challenging Breathalyzer and Blood Test Evidence
A key part of mounting a successful DUI defense is challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer and blood test evidence.
Dawson Law knows these tests are not always reliable, and several factors can affect them, such as:
- Improper maintenance or calibration of testing equipment.
- Rising blood alcohol content (BAC) between the time of driving and the time of testing.
- Medical conditions like GERD or diabetes can skew test results.
Our DUI defense team thoroughly reviews the police evidence in your case to identify any issues with chemical testing that you could use to challenge the prosecution’s case against you.
Challenging Field Sobriety Tests
Police officers use field sobriety tests, like the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus to determine if a driver is impaired.
However, these tests are highly subjective, and other factors unrelated to alcohol consumption can influence them, including:
- Age, weight, or physical disabilities
- Uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Improper instructions or demonstration by the officer.
- Nervousness or anxiety caused by a stressful situation.
Our criminal defense attorneys hire expert technicians to challenge the validity of field sobriety tests or argue that poor performance does not necessarily indicate impairment.
Potential Penalties of a Boulder DUI Conviction
The consequences of a DUI conviction extend far beyond the courtroom.
In addition to jail time, fines, and alcohol education classes, a DUI on your record can have lasting impacts on your life.
- Higher car insurance rates.
- Difficulty finding employment, especially in jobs that require driving.
- Suspension or revocation of professional licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, law).
- Social stigma and damage to your reputation.
- Strained relationships with family and friends.
Dawson Law fights tirelessly so you avoid the long-term implications of a DUI conviction, protecting your future.
“Ryan is amazing! I have never had such a trusted ally in the law. He answered all my questions and was on the ball. He is a professional in his craft and I highly recommend him for all your legal needs. Thanks Ryan!!”
— Google Review
How Our DUI Defense Attorneys in Boulder, CO, Can Help
Dawson Law provides aggressive and effective representation for clients facing DUI charges in Boulder and throughout the Front Range.
When you hire our firm, we will:
- Conduct an independent investigation of your case.
- Carefully review police reports, witness statements, and chemical test results to spot any inconsistencies or errors.
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and challenge the admissibility of field sobriety tests.
- Try to get your charges reduced or dismissed when possible.
- Defend you at trial.
- Provide honest and practical legal guidance at every stage.
You can always contact us with questions or concerns about your case.
Don’t Let DUI Charges Derail Your Life – Hire Our Denver Defense Firm
If you’re facing DUI charges in Denver or Colorado, your future hangs in the balance. With potential jail time, license suspension, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record on the line, you can’t afford to take chances with an inexperienced lawyer. Our veteran Denver DUI attorneys have successfully secured dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes for clients charged with DUI, DWAI, DUID, underage drinking and driving, vehicular assault DUI, and more.
We meticulously analyze every aspect of your arrest and will fight aggressively to have charges reduced or dropped entirely if your rights were violated or evidence mishandled. Call us 24/7 or contact us online now to start building a strong defense strategy with a free, confidential consultation. Don’t gamble with your future – get the Denver DUI defense you need.
