Even a First DUI/DWAI/UDD Conviction Can Have Major Consequences
For many people arrested for DUI, DWAI or UDD, it is the first time they have been involved with the criminal justice system. It can be an embarrassing, humiliating, and overwhelming experience. Most people do not understand the DUI laws and the Department of Motor Vehicle consequences regarding their driver's license.
I am Geri Joneson, a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Collins. I have 20 years of experience as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney in cases involving Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Ability Impaired, and Underage Drinking and Driving. If you have been charged with an alcohol related driving offense in Colorado, two separate proceedings were initiated: a judicial/criminal case and an administrative case that involves your driver's license. As your lawyer, I will represent you in both proceedings.
If this is your first alcohol-related driving offense, you may only have to appear in court one time. However, if this is your second or subsequent offense, or if your BAC was .20 or higher, you may have to appear in court more than once.
Types of DUI/DWAI and Drug Related Driving Charges in Colorado
There are several types of alcohol/drug related driving charges in Colorado:
- DUI Per Se is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, when your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit of .08.
- DUI is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at a time when your blood alcohol content made you "substantially incapable" of operating a motor vehicle.
- DWAI is driving while ability impaired by drugs or alcohol when your blood alcohol content caused you to be "less able" than you normally would have been to operate a motor vehicle. Typically it includes a BAC of .05 to .079.
- UDD, occurs when you are under 21 years of age and your BAC is between .02 and .049
- DUID is driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs. (even prescription medication)
Penalties in DUI/DWAI/UDD Cases
The penalties for a DUI, DWAI, or UDD can range from a deferred sentence, probation, and jail. The fines and community service can vary greatly. If you are under 21 years of age, there are some additional penalties the court may order you to do.
Defenses in DUI/DWAI/UDD Cases
If you tested over the legal limit of .08, don't assume all is lost. There are ways to approach a DUI/DWAI/UDD case. As your attorney, I will asses your case and determine if it is a "defensible case." Sometimes it is possible to challenge the reason you were stopped by the police, the results of the field sobriety tests and the results of your breath or blood test. It is important to carefully review the police reports and test results to determine the strength of the prosecutor's case.
Learn more about DUI/DWAI laws.
Free Attorney Consultation
Don't face DUI/DWAI/UDD charges alone. For an experienced DUI attorney, contact Geri Joneson to schedule a free initial consultation. Call 970-482-6000 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.
