Vehicular accidents are pretty serious road mishaps. To avoid dangerous repercussions resulting from these accidents, there is a strict implementation of DUI laws in the U.S. In every state, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content or BAC of .08% and more. In the state of Colorado, drivers can be convicted for DUI based on two reasons. First is the consideration of the BAC result, and second is the driver’s impaired driving ability in spite of the BAC result. Moreover, you can still be arrested for a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) if your BAC is between .05% and .08% given that your driving is impaired.
DUI Arrests in Colorado
If you are arrested for a DUI in the state of Colorado, you will have to face two trials: one with the Department of Motor Vehicles and another with the Colorado courts. Under the DUI laws, offenders are only given 7 days to request a hearing with the DMV following the arrest. This is why it is very crucial that you seek the help of a qualified lawyer right after your arrest. Bear in mind that if you fail to carry out all of the paper works in time or if you fail to make the request correctly, you will automatically lose your license by default. So if you want to save your license then consulting a lawyer is your best move.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
The penalties for DUI in Colorado can vary by the number of convictions one has in his record. For first time offenders, here are the mandatory consequences that one must comply:
Convictions for second, third, fourth (and so on) time will mean stricter consequences. Tougher penalties are also given to commercial drivers, anyone with a BAC higher than .17%, and to offenders that cause injury to someone as a result of drunk driving.
License Suspension for Colorado DUI
Apart from the penalties mentioned above, offenders will also lose their right to drive in the following standard:
Moreover, the Colorado DUI will also require you to place an ignition interlock device on your car. And as mentioned earlier, if you fail to request a DMV hearing, your license suspension will automatically begin 7 days after your arrest.
Insurance Consequences
Besides the discussed penalties and punishments, you will also face serious consequences on your insurance over a Colorado DUI conviction. Your existing company might either completely drop your coverage, or may place you on a higher premium level. Furthermore, getting new policy coverage can be more challenging for you this time around, if not impossible. But even so, you will still need to have insurance so you can have your license back!