DUI/DWAI Defense Attorney in Fort Collins, Colorado
Practice Area
According to statistics from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, state prosecutors filed about 26,165 cases with at least one DUI charge in 2019. Under Colorado laws, driving a vehicle while "ability impaired" or under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense. A defendant convicted of DUI or DWAI may be facing devastating punishments, including lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, loss of a driver's license, a permanent criminal record, and other life-changing consequences.
If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI or DWAI in your area, you need to retain a highly-skilled Colorado criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your driving privileges. At The Leier Law Office LLC, we have the diligence and skills to defend and represent clients in their drunk driving cases. As your legal counsel and a former prosecutor, we can evaluate every last detail of your case, outline a solid defense to fight your charges, and help keep your driving record clean.
The Leier Law Office LLC proudly represents clients throughout Fort Collins, Colorado, and the surrounding communities of Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, and Evans.
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DUI/DWAI Charges in Colorado
According to Colorado law, drunk driving or impaired driving may be classified into the following:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A motorist may be arrested and charged with DUI if he or she was driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or both.
Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
In Colorado, an individual may be facing DWAI charges for driving a car while "ability impaired"—or slightly impaired—by a controlled substance, alcohol, or both.
DUI per se
An individual may be found guilty of driving under the influence for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more.
On reasonable suspicion of impaired driving in Colorado, a law enforcement officer can ask you to pull over your vehicle and request some DUI tests. A seasoned attorney can fully explain your rights with DUI tests when stopped or arrested for alleged drunk driving.
DUI Tests and Your Rights
As previously mentioned, law enforcement may ask you to stop your vehicle and take some DUI tests—such as chemical tests and field sobriety tests. These DUI tests are often conducted to determine whether you are sober or under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol.
In the state of Colorado, field sobriety tests are voluntary. You don't have to submit to a field sobriety test. In addition, there are no penalties for refusal. Conversely, chemical tests—including blood, breath, urine, or saliva tests—are mandatory in Colorado and refusing such tests will cause driver's license consequences.
According to Colorado's Express Consent Law, a motorist is obligated to take a blood or Breathalyzer test if the police officer can establish probable cause for DUI or DWAI. Any refusal to take a chemical test after a lawful arrest might lead to automatic license suspension, fines, and other penalties.
Possible Penalties
Drunk driving is a serious offense in Colorado that usually attracts harsh punishments. A defendant convicted of DUI or DWAI in the state may be subject to any of the following potential penalties and consequences:
Substantial fines and court fees
Jail time or prison sentence
Community service
Probation
Monitored sobriety testing
Court-imposed license revocation
An ignition interlock device (IID)
Mandatory drug/alcohol education classes
Increased auto insurance premiums
Loss of your rights to carry or possess a firearm
A criminal record/history
Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans
Increased difficulty in getting employment, accommodation, and public assistance
Damage to personal and professional relationships
Loss of university acceptance, scholarships, and other educational opportunities
Thankfully, you may be able to avoid or mitigate these penalties by fighting your charges. A strategic Colorado DUI/DWAI defense attorney can outline a solid legal defense to help fight your impaired driving charges in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your unique circumstances.
Ignition Interlock Program
In Colorado, individuals who have been convicted of drunk driving are often required to install an ignition interlock device (IID). The IID is a device which prevents a person from driving or operating a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol. You must breathe into the device before starting your vehicle. If the device detects a high concentration of alcohol, the car will not start. Also, failing three IID tests within 12 months may cause the Colorado DMV to extend your driver's license suspension or make you drive with the IID for another year.
Work With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Defending your Colorado DUI or DWAI allegations without experienced guidance and representation can expose you to the possibility of getting convicted. However, a criminal conviction might endanger your personal reputation, liberty, future, quality of life, and career opportunities. Therefore, if you're under investigation for DUI or DWAI, hiring a strategic criminal defense attorney is imperative to help build your case.
At The Leier Law Office LLC, we're committed to defending and protecting individuals facing drunk driving charges from the worst-case scenario. As your legal counsel, we can guide you through the Colorado criminal justice system and represent you diligently in court. In addition, our attorney will fight aggressively to uphold your rights, dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and improve your chances of a better tomorrow.
DUI/DWAI Defense Attorney Serving Fort Collins, Colorado
If you're facing DUI or DWAI charges, don't face them alone. Contact us at The Leier Law Office LLC today to schedule a simple case assessment. Our dedicated lawyer can offer you the skilled representation and reliable legal guidance you need to fight your charges. We proudly represent clients throughout Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, and Evans, Colorado.