Colorado prosecutors maintain high conviction rates of nearly 90% in cases involving driving under the influence. This subjects many of those arrested for DUI in the Centennial State to strict penalties, including jail, fines, community service, probation, and lengthy license suspension and revocation periods.
These penalties are enough to prevent the majority of people from being arrested for multiple DUIs. However, some continue to drive while over the blood alcohol content (BAC) thresholds, and penalties for their subsequent convictions increase in severity.
If you’ve been arrested on DUI charges for the second, third, or even fourth time, consider seeking help in several areas of your life. Find out which steps to take below.
Dealing With the Legal Consequences of Multiple DUI Convictions
The penalties for one DUI conviction are already harsh enough for many people. Subsequent convictions force offenders to deal with even more DUI penalties.
For example, first-time offenders might avoid jail, especially if they agree to participate in court-ordered alcohol education programs. Second-, third-, and fourth-time offenders aren’t typically granted this luxury. They may face anywhere from at least 10 days for a second conviction to up to six years for a fourth conviction. Fourth and subsequent DUIs are charged as felonies in Colorado, with stiffer penalties.
In addition to mandatory jail time for repeat DUI offenses, they are also routinely subjected to:
- Fines ranging from $1,500 to $500,000
- License suspensions for anywhere from one year to indefinitely
- Ignition interlock device requirements range from two years to a lifetime
Aggravating factors in DUI sentencing, such as previous convictions, might lead to judges adding even more penalties. At the same time, working with an experienced attorney could open up access to alternative sentencing options for repeat offenders, including house arrest, work release, and more.
Seeking Drug and/or Alcohol Treatment After Multiple DUIs
If you have more than one DUI on your driving record, you should look into doing more than just securing the right legal representation to handle your current DUI case. You should also explore drug and/or alcohol treatment options if you believe you’re suffering from a serious problem.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are both terrific resources for those struggling with addiction issues. You might also want to search for an inpatient or outpatient rehab center and take part in a treatment program. In Colorado, Level II Alcohol Education classes may be required for a DUI conviction. Taking these classes before sentencing can be beneficial to you.
Working on these issues could prevent future DUIs and other legal problems.
Looking for Constant Support Following Multiple DUI Arrests
No matter which approach you take to controlling addiction issues, you will need constant support from family members, friends, and others in your inner circle following more than one DUI arrest. Create a surefire support system and lean on it as often as needed.
Call Us To Lend a Hand With the Legal Ramifications of Multiple DUIs
Seeking legal assistance after multiple DUIs should be one of your first orders of business. A DUI defense attorney will clear up any lingering legal ramifications you might face and provide clarity when it comes to your future and which penalties you may have to live with.
Allow Churchill DUI Defense to help you throughout your legal proceedings. Contact us at (303) 832-9000 for a free consultation.