Legal Consequences of a DUI
The legal consequences of a conviction for an alcohol or drug
related offense are very severe, and are getting worse each
year. Even a first time offense may cause you to incur a
jail sentence or even to lose your license if not properly
represented by an attorney. A conviction record is a permanent
record with the Department of Motor Vehicles and could affect your
automobile insurance rates for a long time to come.
Fines Associated With a DUI
The fines and costs are also very expensive, and you will have to
perform public service and alcohol classes, which can be time
consuming. If you do lose your license or are looking at a second
or third conviction for an alcohol or drug related offense, you
will be facing jail, and having to re-apply for your license, which
can be a very complicated and detrimental procedure. An attorney
can advise you on all of these matters and keep the negative
consequences to a minimum.
What is Driving Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs in Colorado means
that you are intoxicated and that you are unsafe to drive a
vehicle. There is a lesser charge in Colorado also, called Driving
While Ability is Impaired, which means that you have consumed
alcohol or drugs before you drove, or while you are driving, and it
is affecting your driving ability even to the slightest degree.
Both charges are serious in that they will be on your permanent
record. Driving Under the Influence is considered to be serious
enough that your license will be suspended for one year if
convicted of this. If you are convicted of Driving While Ability is
Impaired, you will not lose your license.
When Are You Considered Legally Intoxicated
Once your intoxication level has reached .10, you are presumed to
be Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. The word
"driving" in the charge Driving Under the Influence" has been
defined as in control of the vehicle. Thus, even if you are parked
along the side of the road and are sitting behind the wheel of the
car, you can be considered to be a driver under Colorado case law,
and still charged with the crime of DUI.
The information contained in this message is general and should
not substitute for the advice and counsel of a licensed
attorney.
