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I Was Arrested for DUI in Denver, But I Live Out of State. What Should I Do?

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If you live out of state and are charged with a DUI in Colorado, it’s crucial that you hire a local Colorado attorney to represent you. A DUI charge can have severe short-term and long-term consequences. Furthermore, the laws and penalties surrounding DUIs in Colorado can be complex and confusing. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options, build a strong defense, and advocate for your rights. They can also help minimize the long-term consequences of a DUI charge and save you time and money in the long run.  

With a conviction, your sentence for a Colorado DUI would be the same as for a Colorado resident. It can include the following:    

  • Up to two years or more of probation
  • Fines ranging from $600 to $1,000
  • 48 to 96 hours of community service
  • Participation in an alcohol treatment program
  • Driver’s license suspension for up to nine months

Additionally, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device will prevent the car from starting if you, the driver, have alcohol on your breath.  

It’s important to note that the actual sentence may depend on the judge’s discretion and the specific circumstances of the case, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the offense, prior criminal record, and whether anyone was hurt as a result of the DUI.

We can help you understand the DUI charges you’re facing, explain the potential penalties, and guide you through the legal process. We can also help you make informed decisions about proceeding with your case, including whether to plead guilty or fight the charges in court.

Will I have to appear in court for my DUI if I live out of state?  

If you live out of state, you may need to be present in Colorado for at least one court appearance. In some cases, the judge may let you resolve the case remotely. That is not a guarantee, but your attorney can help to work out those details. However, our first step will be negotiating with the prosecution on your behalf. Given the specific details of your situation, we can build a strong defense and advocate for your rights. We can work with the prosecution and try to reduce the charges against you or negotiate a plea bargain that could result in a lesser sentence.

Will my license be suspended in my home state?  

Colorado participates in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC). When you live out of state, the Colorado DMV can and will place a hold on your license with the National Driver’s Register (NDR) and report you to your local DMV. Your home state may impose restrictions on your license. 

Contact Churchill DUI Defense today  

Hiring an attorney can help reduce the stress and anxiety of facing a DUI charge. Being charged with a DUI can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the state’s legal system. Having an experienced attorney by your side can help ease some of that anxiety by providing guidance, support, and advocacy.

Churchill DUI Defense has defended DUI charges for more than two decades. We regularly represent clients who were arrested for DUI while traveling in Colorado for vacation or work, but they live in another state. No matter where our clients are from, we will do everything possible to protect their rights, freedom, and future. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at (303) 832-9000 or filling out our online contact form today.