Colorado Springs DUI Lawyer

What is DWAI in Colorado?

Driving While Ability Impaired, otherwise known in Colorado as DWAI, is when a driver operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content between .05% and .079%. Despite those clearly defined percentages, Colorado’s drunk driving laws are more focused on impairment than blood alcohol content, meaning that you could be cited with a DWAI even if your BAL is below .05%. DWAIs also carry serious consequences in terms of lengthy jail time and considerable fines.

You can trust the attorneys at Aviso Law to handle the pretrial phases of DWAI proceedings and aggressively represent your interests in the courtroom. With our in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s drunk driving laws and goal of obtaining the best possible results for our clients, we at Aviso Law seek to provide clients with top-quality representation.

DUI-D Limits in Colorado 

Since Colorado’s legalization of marijuana, there has been an increase in citations for Driving Under the Impairment of Drugs (DUI-D). The established limit for marijuana in the bloodstream is 5 nanograms, but it’s possible to be cited for less than this if a person is deemed too intoxicated to safely operate a vehicle. These rules are true for drivers under the influence of any drug, even prescription medication.

DUI-Ds are just as serious and just as complex as DUIs and require the same amount of legal acumen and up-to-date knowledge of Colorado drug laws. With proven success and considerable experience representing clients in these areas, the Aviso Law team is the obvious choice to help with DUI-D matters.

Is a DUI on a  Military Base Different Than a Normal DUI in CO?

Being cited with a DUI on a military base is a different matter and can carry serious consequences because, in many instances, the federal government is prosecuting the case instead of the State of Colorado. At Aviso Law, our backgrounds as military and criminal defense lawyers, combined with our experience representing clients charged with DUI, make us perfectly suited to handle this type of case and provide clients with top-quality representation.

Why Choose Our DUI Law Firm?

CLIENTS FIRST
Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.

PROVEN SUCCESS
To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.

BREAKING THE MOLD
We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court), and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.

Defenses Against DUI Charges in Colorado 

Some common defenses against DUI charges may include:

• Improper Stop or Arrest: If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to stop you or lacked probable cause to make an arrest, it could be a defense.
• Inaccurate Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: Challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results is a common defense. Factors such as improper calibration or administration can be questioned.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): It takes time for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and your BAC may continue to rise after you've stopped drinking. It could be a defense if your BAC was below the legal limit while driving but increased afterward.
• Field Sobriety Test Issues: If the field sobriety tests were improperly administered or the conditions were not suitable, it may be a basis for challenging the results.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can impact breathalyzer results. If you have a medical condition or were taking medication that could influence the test, it might be a defense.
• Violation of Miranda Rights: If you were not properly informed of your Miranda rights during the arrest, it could be a factor in your defense.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If evidence had been acquired through an illegal search or seizure, it could be possible to challenge the admissibility of that evidence in court.
• Witness Credibility: Questioning the credibility of witnesses, including law enforcement officers, can be part of a defense strategy. 

How Long Will a DUI Stay on Your Record?

In Colorado, a DUI conviction can have lasting effects on both your driving and criminal records. Once convicted, a DUI remains on your driving record permanently, meaning it cannot be removed or expunged. The long-term impact of a DUI conviction can affect various aspects of your life, including employment opportunities, insurance rates, and your driving privileges.

For criminal records, although the DUI remains, the timeframe in which it significantly affects sentencing for future offenses is crucial. In Colorado, a DUI conviction is considered "priorable" for sentencing purposes for 10 years. This means that if you are charged with another DUI within that 10-year period, it will be treated as a subsequent offense, leading to harsher penalties. However, even after 10 years, the DUI still remains on your criminal record and could be viewed in other legal contexts.

Additionally, any DUI conviction is likely to result in increased insurance premiums for a minimum of 3 to 5 years, depending on your insurance provider. Colorado law mandates that insurance companies access driving records for risk assessment, meaning the conviction can have long-term financial consequences.

Given the serious and lasting impact of a DUI on both criminal and driving records, it is essential to seek professional legal advice to explore options for mitigating penalties and protecting your rights.

Contact Our Colorado Springs DUI Attorney Today

If you are facing DUI charges and seeking experienced legal representation, our Colorado Springs DUI lawyers are here to assist you. We understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to delivering personalized and effective defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. We strive to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process with expertise and compassion. Don't navigate this challenging situation alone –contact us today for the support and advocacy you deserve.

Contact our Colorado Springs DUI lawyers today or call Aviso Law at (719) 356-5552  to learn more about your options and how to best protect your future. 

Related Reading

• THE HIDDEN COSTS OF A DUI