When people are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), they usually want to know right away what the consequences are. Some people think of DUI as primarily a traffic offense,possibly because it starts out as a traffic stop. But if you have been charged with DUI, you have to know that what you face is far more serious than an ordinary traffic offense. You need to fully understand that you are actually facing criminal charges, which can carry the possibility of jail time and large fines.
Even so, the consequences of DUI and DWAI can be extremely complicated. In addition to criminal charges, you also face administrative consequences with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can result in the revocation of your driver’s license. The fact is, DUI and DWAI charges can be life-changing events, with natural consequences reaching far beyond the scope of the legal system. Many people may lose their jobs, even having to find a new line of work as a result of a DUI conviction. Learn more about DUI Administrative Consequences below.
The stakes are very high; it is extremely important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to protect your rights, so that you can have the best possible outcome from a very difficult, stressful situation.
DUI and Driver’s License Revocation
You need to be aware that Colorado state takes DUI very seriously, and will often seek to revoke your driver’s license if you are charged with it. After you are charged with DUI or DWAI, you have the right to a hearing with the DMV, but you have a very limited period of time to request it. If you do not request a hearing, your driver’s license will be revoked.
At the hearing, you have a chance to defend yourself, and you are permitted to have a lawyer to represent you, in order to save your driving privileges. You do need to understand that this hearing is not a criminal trial, but the information that comes to light in the hearing could potentially be used in a criminal trial.
All Colorado drivers need to understand that when applying for a Colorado Driver’s License, you signed an agreement to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test in the event that a police officer has reasonable suspicion to suspect you of drunk driving. Legally, you are free to refuse these tests, but because refusing is a violation of your driver’s license agreement, you will automatically have your license revoked for one year. This would be a very serious problem for anyone who depends upon his or her driver’s license to make a living.
The administrative consequences for DUI and DWAI build, meaning the penalty is more severe if you have past DUI convictions. A first offense DWAI could result in 8 points against your license. A second offense may mean 8 points and having your driver’s license revoked for 12 months. Subsequent offenses result in 8 points and 24-month revocations. For a first offense DUI, the penalty may be 12 points and a 9-month revocation. Second DUI offenses carry 12 points and 12-month revocation. Subsequent offenses subject you to 12 points and 24-month revocations.
Contact our Boulder DUI Defense Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one have been charged with driving under the influence in Boulder County, it is important that you speak with a Boulder DUI attorney to mitigate the consequences. Steven Louth is a lawyer with years of experience handling the administrative consequences of a DUI as well as the criminal charge itself. When it comes to DUI charges, never assume the worst; Mr. Louth has the experience to look after you and help you put these charges behind you. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your memory of the events will be. Steven can look at all the details of the traffic stop and petition to have the evidence suppressed. You never have to face any criminal charges alone; for more information and a free consultation contact Steven Louth at (303) 442-2297, or fill out the contact form on this page.