If you receive a charge and subsequent conviction for drunk driving (DUI) in Colorado, you can anticipate considerable penalties if convicted. Depending on the details of your case, you may face jail time, fines, the loss of your license and related penalties.
The fees and fines associated with a Colorado DUI conviction are substantial, and in fact, the costs of a DUI are rising. The Colorado Department of Transportation expects a 32-percent uptick in the average amount you will pay for a DUI conviction going forward.
A DUI conviction in Colorado in 2024 can carry significant costs, covering both direct and indirect expenses. Here’s a quick overview:
When factoring in all expenses, the cost of a DUI in Colorado can range from $1,400 to $13,500. Nowadays, however, you can expect to shell out about $13,530 for a Colorado DUI, an increase of $3,260. In extreme cases, may exceed $27,000 due to legal fees, insurance hikes, and lost income.
While a DUI in Colorado has always been expensive, you can now anticipate paying $3,000 more than you would have previously should you be convicted. Previously, a DUI conviction would run you, on average, about $10,270 in total.
Just what is driving the increase in fees and penalties for DUIs in Colorado? Among the primary factors is the fact that the average person charged with drunk driving in Colorado now classified as a persistent drunk driver.
What does that mean, exactly? Essentially, the term “persistent drunk driver” refers to someone who meets certain qualifications based on his or her past criminal record or level of intoxication.
For example, you might be a persistent drunk driver if you have offended in the past or if you refuse to allow law enforcement officials to assess your blood alcohol concentration with a breath or blood test. You may also meet the criteria for being a persistent drunk driver if your blood alcohol content is measured at .15 percent or higher.
Many Colorado drivers now meet these criteria, and 55 percent of the increase in DUI fees and fines is due to the number of persistent drunk drivers in the state. A Colorado DUI is undeniably expensive, and as you might expect, the fees you can anticipate paying will increase with each additional DUI conviction.
A DUI conviction can have severe repercussions that go beyond the financial costs. It can affect both your personal and professional life. On a personal level, a DUI can strain relationships with family and friends. It can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. Professionally, a DUI conviction can result in job loss, difficulty finding future employment, and damage to your reputation.
If you are facing a first-time DUI offense in Colorado in 2024, it helps to understand the potential costs involved. While the exact costs may vary depending on the circumstances of your case, there are certain expenses that you are likely to incur.
The financial impact of a DUI goes beyond the immediate costs mentioned above. It can have long-term effects on your finances, including job loss, difficulty finding future employment, and increased insurance premiums.
If you have a job that requires a valid driver’s license or involves any aspect of driving, a DUI conviction can result in termination. Additionally, even if your job doesn’t directly involve driving, a DUI conviction can negatively impact your professional reputation and make it challenging to find new job opportunities.
A DUI conviction can also make it difficult to secure employment in the future. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction can raise red flags and limit your prospects.
As mentioned earlier, a DUI conviction can lead to a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. This increased cost can stretch your budget and make it more challenging to manage your finances effectively.
Apart from financial costs, a DUI conviction in Colorado can have severe legal consequences. These consequences can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but they may include:
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While the financial and legal consequences of a DUI can be overwhelming, there are effective strategies to reduce some of the costs and penalties associated with a DUI charge.
When facing a DUI charge in Colorado, the importance of hiring a skilled DUI defense attorney cannot be overstated. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a Colorado DUI lawyer:
If you are facing a DUI charge in Greeley, Colorado, immediately seek professional defense representation. Contact the McAdams Law Office at 970-353-0000 for trusted legal advice and compassionate guidance. Our experienced DUI defense lawyers will fight tirelessly to minimize the financial and legal consequences of a DUI conviction.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.