Even though the availability of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have provided people with more transportation options, driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs still happens. According to a recent survey of Americans from all over the country, a little over half of the respondents (53.3 percent) stated that they feel capable of driving after consuming alcohol. There are multiple reasons why someone would make the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, such as drivers saying that they felt capable of driving safely or stating that their destination was nearby. Although you may arrive home without incident, you could find yourself pulled over by a Colorado Springs law enforcement officer and asked to take a chemical test to measure your intoxication. First-time DUI offenders often feel confused about their legal rights in these situations and worried about how this incident will affect their lives in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. If you are facing a first time DUI charge in the Colorado Springs or Denver area, reach out to a highly qualified and dedicated DUI defense attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and identify the most strategic path forward. Before you picture the worst-case scenario, it’s best to work with your criminal defense lawyer to understand your legal rights and defense strategy options. This post will highlight some basic information about first time DUI charges and explore a few tips for minimizing the consequences for first-time DUI offenders.
Understanding DUI Laws in Colorado
Every state has some form of DUI law that imposes penalties on drivers who operate their vehicles when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds a certain threshold. In Colorado, a driver who has a BAC of 0.08 percent or more is considered to be “under the influence,” or if a driver who has a BACof .05 – .079 percent is considered to be impaired, meaning that it’s against the law for this person to operate a motor vehicle. Drivers who are under the age of 21 (the legal drinking age) can be charged with underage drinking and driving (UDD) if their BAC measures between 0.02 and 0.05 percent. Law enforcement officers must be able to provide a valid reason for pulling over a driver for a suspected DUI offense, such as erratic driving patterns, failure to observe traffic lights, or witnessing the driver exiting a bar and climbing behind the wheel. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that you can still face criminal charges if your BAC is between 0.05 and 0.08 percent. If this is the case, law enforcement can arrest you for driving while ability impaired (DWAI), a lesser crime than a DUI (but still significant and punishable by imprisonment, fines, and other penalties). No matter what the specific factors of your case may be, it’s best to enlist the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced Colorado Springs DUI defense lawyer who will advocate for your best interests and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
First-Time DUI Penalties in Colorado Springs
Most first-time DUI offenders in Colorado Springs face a misdemeanor charge unless there are additional aggravating factors or considerations. If you are convicted of a first-time DUI offense, you could face a jail sentence ranging from five days to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, two years of probation, mandatory participation in alcohol education classes, or other penalties like community service. If convicted of a first-time DUI crime, you can also expect to have your driver’s license revoked for up to nine months. Defendants whose BAC measured higher than 0.15 percent may face enhanced penalties, such as more hours spent participating in mandatory alcohol education classes and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) to prevent them from driving while intoxicated. A person with a BAC of .2 or higher, or has prior convictions is looking at mandatory jail. While these penalties may not seem life-altering or even all that severe, the DUI arrest and conviction will appear on your criminal record, which can limit your employment and housing options in the future. Regardless of the circumstances of your DUI arrest, consider working with a knowledgeable and caring Colorado Springs DUI defense attorney who will work hard to keep your future bright and secure.
Common Defense Tactics for First-Time DUI Charges
If you are facing a first-time DUI charge or a first-time DUI license suspension, you are far from alone. Many people find themselves facing the possibility of a first-time DUI conviction at some point in their lives, but hiring a qualified and experienced DUI defense lawyer can maximize your chances of securing a fair and favorable outcome. Your attorney will examine every aspect of your case to determine the most strategic defense tactic to employ. For instance, you may be able to show that the initial traffic stop lacked probable cause or was otherwise unjustified in the first place. Or, you may decide to challenge the results of the chemical test or question the validity of the field sobriety tests. Incorporating expert testimony from toxicology professionals can also be an effective way to challenge the strength of the prosecution’s case against you. If you or someone you love is facing a first-time DUI charge in Colorado Springs, contact a skilled and trusted criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to start building a robust legal defense.
Legal Defense Strategies for First-Time DUI Offenders
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious about a first-time DUI charge. However, it’s essential to understand that you do not have to navigate this stressful situation on your own. Your highly qualified and empathetic DUI defense lawyer will remain by your side during every step of the criminal justice process, answering your questions and addressing your concerns at every opportunity. Your Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney will assess every detail of your case to determine the most strategic course of action. For instance, your DUI defense attorney may advise you to negotiate a plea bargain to minimize the long-term consequences. Or, a DUI defense lawyer may suggest that you pursue diversion programs that reduce the penalties (or avoid a conviction altogether) and allow you to start rebuilding your life as soon as possible. No matter what course your first-time DUI case takes, you can trust that your dedicated DUI defense lawyer will advocate for your best interests at every turn. Hiring an experienced Colorado Springs DUI defense attorney is crucial for understanding all of the available legal options and advocating effectively on behalf of the accused.
The highly qualified and dedicated legal team at The Law Offices of Clifton Black, P.C., understands that facing a first-time DUI charge can be overwhelming and intimidating. We’re here to support you and advocate for your best interests at every stage of the process. Call our Colorado Springs office today at 719-328-1616 to schedule a consultation with an experienced and caring criminal defense attorney.