Drunk Driving Laws in Colorado
By Clawson & Clawson, LLP
Jul. 25, 2013 2:21p
Colorado has two separate offenses related to alcohol or drug-related driving. The first is a DUI, which means driving while under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs. You can be arrested for this offense if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above .08 percent or if you are "substantially" impaired in your driving ability after ingesting alcohol, prescription drugs, or other chemical substances. The second is DWAI, which stands for Driving While Ability Impaired. You can be charged with DWAI if your driving ability has been impaired to the "slightest degree" after consuming alcohol or drugs of any kind or if your BAC measures between .05 percent and .08 percent.
In 2012, in El Paso County, which is the most populous of all Colorado counties, a total of 2,738 DUI-related charges were filed against residents. The overwhelming majority of these were DUI: 2,659. The average BAC level was 0.167 which is more than twice the legal limit. In the typical DUI-related arrest, two separate processes are begun. One is the administrative process involving a license suspension with the DMV. The other is the criminal process which proceeds to the County Court. Each of these processes is independent of one another. The criminal process will result in fines, imprisonment, community service, probation, DUI education and treatment and will depend on the facts involved, including prior convictions, BAC level, whether anyone was injured or killed, and similar circumstances. The administrative process is the same in each case no matter how many DUI offenses you may have. Only the consequences will be different, depending on prior convictions.
Criminal and DUI Defense Firm in Colorado Springs
Frequently, those who are arrested and charged with alcohol or drug-related driving offenses have no prior criminal history. They often have little understanding of what is involved in such a charge or what to expect when thrown into the criminal justice system. They may also have little knowledge concerning their rights when it comes to interacting with law enforcement personnel. That is why it is so important to contact and work with a reliable criminal defense attorney who can thoroughly investigate your case and address it with the proper legal strategies.
The Clawson & Clawson law firm, serving clients in and around Colorado Springs, has a legal team with 90 years of combined trial experience. This is a firm that is well-known and well-respected in Colorado; they have been the recipients of many awards and recognitions, including the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 and Best Attorney 2012 in Best of the Springs Winner. The firm has also achieved a 10 out 10 Superb rating by Avvo. To learn more about their memberships, credentials, and proven case results, visit their website at www.clawsonlawfirm.com. To learn more about your case and how the firm can help you, contact their law offices to schedule a free, initial consultation.