DUI Penalties — DUI in Northern Colorado
Drunk driving penalties are both criminal and administrative in Colorado. A criminal court judge will determine your sentence in the criminal part of your case, while the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driving privileges. These two cases are completely distinct from one another; for example, your case could potentially be dismissed at the DMV and you would keep your driver's privileges, but you could be convicted in criminal court.
Understand the Potential Penalties You Face and Your Options
Attorney William (Bill) T. McAdams is a former Greeley prosecutor who is now in private practice as a criminal defense attorney. He can review your case in a free initial consultation and explain your potential options for both the criminal case and the DMV case against you. He is skilled and experienced in helping clients defend against DUI charges and in protecting their drivers' privileges.
Criminal court judges can make decisions on:
- the amount of time you spend in jail
- the amount of community service you must fulfill
- the amount, if any, of alcohol or drug counseling needed
- the amount of the fine you will be required to pay
Factors that play a role in the determination of your penalty include whether you have been arrested on DUI charges or other alcohol-related charges in the past, whether you were involved in an accident at the time of your arrest and if anyone was hurt, your attitude and demeanor while under arrest, your behavior since your arrest and whether you have attended alcohol counseling or treatment. Perhaps as important to your case's outcome is the quality of the attorney you retain to defend you. A skilled attorney can find weaknesses in the evidence that may mean case dismissal or at the very least, a reduction in the charges against you.
The penalties for a DUI or DWAI conviction vary significantly. For the most part, a first-time conviction on a DUI or DWAI charge will not involve jail time.
- DWAI — Two to 180 days in jail; $100-$500 in fines; 24-48 hours community service; eight points toward license suspension
- DUI — five days to one year in jail; $1000-$5000 in fines; 48-96 hours community service; one year license suspension
- DUI w/BAC .20 or higher — 10 days to one year in jail; $600-$1000 in fines; 60-120 hours community service; license suspension
- DWAI with a prior DUI conviction — six days to one year in jail; $400-$1200 in fines; 52-104 hours community service; license suspension
- DUI with prior DWAI conviction — seven days to one year in jail; $450-1500 in fines; 56-112 hours community service; license suspension
- DUI with prior DUI conviction — 10 days to one year in jail; $500-1500 fines; 60-120 hours community service; Colorado license suspension
Ignition Interlock Device
In many of these cases, a DMV conviction will also require that you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which means that once you regain your driver's license, you will need to blow into this device, which will measure your blood alcohol content, before you are able to start your car.
Experienced, Effective DUI Defense--Greeley DUI Penalties Lawyer
Whether you are facing a DWAI or you have been charged as a repeat DUI offender, McAdams Law Office, LLC, Attorney at Law, is prepared to provide you with skilled, supportive and timely defense of your rights. To discuss your case with Mr. McAdams in a free, confidential initial consultation, please call 970-573-7765 for a free consultation that is confidential. You may also send us a secure and confidential e-mail to schedule an appointment.
