According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, over 16,000 people are arrested for DUI in the Centennial State annually. Many are subjected to the penalties enforced under the DUI laws here in Colorado.
Were you arrested and charged with DUI in Colorado recently? If so, understanding the state’s DUI laws is important. Our team at Churchill DUI Defense is here to help you not only understand but also navigate the laws that pertain to your arrest.
Check out a breakdown of the DUI laws here in CO below.
What Are the DUI Laws in Colorado?
The DUI laws here in Colorado apply to anyone who is pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Colorado, a person can be charged with DUI if:
- They have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- They have five nanograms of delta-9 THC per milliliter of whole blood.
There is also a zero-tolerance DUI law in Colorado for anyone under 21. Those under 21 with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.05% can be charged with underage drunk driving (UDD).
Police enforce the DUI laws in Colorado during traffic stops in several ways. They will typically:
- Visually observe drivers for signs of impairment
- Ask drivers suspected of impairment to take field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests
- Subject drivers suspected of impairment to chemical or blood tests to verify their BACs
People have the right to refuse to participate in field sobriety tests, handheld breathalyzer tests, and chemical or blood tests. However, this can lead to automatic license penalties and harsher DUI penalties down the line.
What Are the DUI Penalties in Colorado?
The DUI laws here in CO are believed to be harsher than the DUI laws in many other states. The DUI penalties in Colorado have a lot to do with this.
Those convicted of DUI in Colorado for the first time will face the following penalties:
- Up to one year in jail
- Driver’s license revocation for up to nine months
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Up to 96 hours of community service
From there, the DUI penalties in Colorado become harsher with each additional DUI conviction. If, for example, you’re arrested for DUI in CO for a second time, you’ll face a longer license revocation period and bigger fines. You’ll also be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID).
If you’re a persistent drunk driver (PDD), you might even face felony DUI charges eventually. Those arrested for DUI for a fourth time in CO may face up to six years in prison.
Are the DUI Laws in Colorado Different Than the DWAI Laws?
The DUI laws in CO are different than the DWAI laws. You can be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) even if your BAC doesn’t reach the 0.08% mark.
Your BAC only needs to be between 0.05% and 0.079% to face DWAI charges. DWAI charges come with many of the same penalties as DUI charges, but not automatic loss of your driver’s license.
Arrested for DUI in Colorado? Contact Our Law Firm for Assistance
If you were arrested for DUI in Colorado, Churchill DUI Defense can provide the legal representation you need and explain the DUI laws here in CO.
Contact us at (303) 832-9000 to schedule a consultation, and let us leverage our 20+ years of experience to help.