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Colorado DUI Charges Can Lead To Severe Penalties, Including Jail Time

A charge of driving under the influence (DUI) can be something that haunts you for years to come. In Colorado, the consequences of drunk driving — especially repeat DUIs — can be severe.

In addition to jail time and license suspension or revocation, fines for a DUI conviction can easily add up to thousands of dollars. Add to this the higher insurance premiums that drivers with DUI convictions have to pay and the side effects of having a criminal record, and the consequences of drunk driving can be devastating.

Your DUI Advocate in The Criminal System

For many people facing DUI charges, the difference comes down to having an experienced criminal defense lawyer represent them and give them a strategy for avoiding the serious penalties that a conviction can bring. People in the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado turn to Hernandez & Associates, P.C. Our Denver DUI attorneys have decades of combined experience representing criminal defendants in plea negotiations and at trial.

We offer a free, 30-minute consultation so you can learn your options following an arrest. Call us at 303-536-5134 to speak to a DUI advocate now.

Our Job: Help You Keep Your Freedom and Driving Privileges

Our DUI attorneys excel in all aspects of DUI cases — from challenging the results of Breathalyzer and blood tests, to challenging whether the police had a valid reason to stop a client in the first place, to working out favorable plea bargains and taking cases to trial when prosecutors decide to play tough. We also seek opportunities for our clients to resolve their cases through rehabilitation and other programs that can help them avoid jail time.

DUI & DWI Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A DUI Remain On Your Record In Colorado?

In Colorado, a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction remains on your criminal record indefinitely. However, Colorado law includes a lookback period for the purpose of sentencing. This is the time frame during which prior DUI offenses are relevant for sentencing of new DUI charges. This period is generally five years for misdemeanor DUI offenses and 10 years for felony DUI offenses. This means that if you are convicted of a new DUI within the lookback period the court will consider your prior DUI convictions when determining your sentence. Colorado does not expunge DUIs.

Will A DUI Conviction Affect My Employment?

A DUI conviction could affect your career, as it appears on background checks. The impact on employment can depend on factors such as the nature of the job and the policies of the employer. Positions that involve driving could suffer, since a DUI can lead to a suspension of one’s driver’s license. Professions that require professional licenses or certifications may also suffer disciplinary actions by licensing boards. For current employees, a DUI conviction could lead to consequences such as demotion, suspension or even termination, especially if the conviction interferes with their ability to fulfill job responsibilities or violates company policy.

Can You Get A DUI in Colorado While Sleeping In Your Car?

Many people assume that a DUI charge only applies when the vehicle is in motion, but that is not the case every time. Read the full blog post on what to do if charged with a DUI while sleeping in your car.

Can You Get A Commercial Driver’s License With A Colorado DUI Conviction?

Yes, a Colorado DUI conviction can impact your ability to obtain or retain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Because commercial drivers are held to stricter standards, even a first-time offense can introduce serious consequences.

A first DUI conviction typically leads to a one-year CDL disqualification.
If hazardous materials were being transported, the disqualification period increases to three years.
A second conviction results in a lifetime CDL ban, although reinstatement may be possible after 10 years if specific rehabilitation requirements are met.
Commercial drivers are considered legally impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or higher.
DUI convictions while operating a personal vehicle can still affect your CDL status.

If your CDL is revoked, reinstatement requires completing all court-ordered penalties, passing required tests and submitting documentation to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. You may also need to complete a Level II alcohol and drug education program and obtain SR-22 insurance.

Can You Get A DUI On A Bicycle In Colorado?

Yes, you can be charged with DUI while riding a bicycle. Colorado defines a vehicle broadly to include bicycles, meaning impaired cycling is treated similarly to impaired driving. Key points include:

State law prohibits operating any vehicle, including bicycles, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A BAC of .08% or higher can result in a DUI charge, while a BAC between .05% and .08% may lead to a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired).
Underage cyclists with a BAC of .02% or higher may also face DUI charges.
Potential penalties include fines, community service and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
A DUI on a bicycle does not typically result in points against your motor vehicle license, but it still creates a criminal record.

Cyclists must exercise the same caution as motorists when consuming alcohol. Riding while impaired not only risks legal consequences but also endangers your personal safety and the safety of others.