In the Centennial State, even a single conviction for driving while ability impaired or driving under the influence of alcohol may have significant legal penalties and serious life consequences. For example, you may lose your driving privileges, employment opportunities or even college scholarships. You may also spend some time in jail.
If you become a persistent drunk driver under Colorado law, your legal exposure is likely to increase considerably. Consequently, it may be extremely important to mount an aggressive defense to any DWAI or DUI charges you are facing.
How do you become a persistent drunk driver?
Under Colorado law, there are four possible ways to become a persistent drunk driver:
Commit two or more alcohol-related driving violations
Violate driving restrictions that stem from an alcohol-related offense
Drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher
Refuse chemical testing of your breath, blood, saliva or urine
What are the consequences of being a persistent drunk driver?
Earning a persistent drunk driver designation is likely to inconvenience you for the foreseeable future for a couple reasons.
If you have the designation, you typically must install an ignition interlock device on every vehicle you drive for two years. Unfortunately, you must pay the installation and ongoing calibration costs for these devices. You will also need a special type of driver’s license.
Likewise, before state officials will reinstate your suspended driver’s license, you probably must complete a Level II Alcohol Education and Treatment program. This program, which you must pay for, typically lasts 12 weeks.
Ultimately, because of the serious consequences that often accompany a persistent drunk driver designation, returning to normalcy is likely to be much more challenging than dealing with a basic DWAI or DUI conviction.
