What To Expect After A DUI In Colorado Springs?

Defense Attorney Blog
Mar 5
3 min read

Being arrested for a DUI is scary and can be overwhelming, especially in a place like Colorado Springs. As a new DUI arrestee, you might have no clue what is going to happen to you next and how your life is going to change because of your arrest. Understanding the law process, likely penalties, and what you have to do applies. In this blog, we will walk you through what occurs after a DUI in Colorado Springs, offering insight and information during a trying time.

The Immediate Effects of a DUI Arrest

After a Colorado Springs DUI arrest, the first thing that you will go through is the administrative process under the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) authority. This is not a wait for the criminal process. You may appeal for a DMV hearing within seven days of your arrest to challenge the suspension of your driving privilege. Without an appeal, you are suspended.

Aside from the DMV process, you will also have your court date scheduled on your criminal case. Make sure that you appear on all of your court dates because neglecting to appear in court can lead to further penalties such as issuance of a warrant for your arrest.

Having Familiarity with Legal Sanctions

The penalties for a DUI in Colorado Springs will be based on your blood alcohol level (BAC), whether you are a first-time offender, and whether there were aggravating circumstances like an accident or injury. The following is a general overview of what you can expect:

First-Time DUI Offense:

Fines of $600 to $1,000.
5-day to 1-year jail sentence (which can be suspended).
Suspension of your license for 9 months maximum.
Community service (48 to 96 hours).
Forced alcohol education classes.

Repeat DUI Offenses:

Enhanced penalties and jail time.
Longer suspensions of your license.
Mounting an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car.
Punishable as a fourth-degree felony for the fourth offense of DUI.

It is also important to recognize that Colorado has a "persistent drunk driver" classification for motorists with very high BACs (0.15% or more) or repeat offenders. This can result in even worse punishment.

Personal and Professional Consequences

Apart from prison time, a DUI will have a ripple effect on your professional and personal life. You will be impacted by:

Job Issues: Your employer may insist on a clean driving history or background check, and a DUI charge will destroy your current job or future career.
Increased Insurance Premiums: Your car insurance premiums will increase dramatically after a DUI.
Relationship Issues: Stress caused by lawsuits and costs may strain friendships and family relationships.
Travel Bans: Foreign nations can ban DUI offenders from visiting their country.

Living After a DUI

Being arrested for a DUI is serious, but it's not the end of the road. There are some good steps you can take to move beyond it:

Employ a Successful DUI Attorney: Legal assistance may be the deciding factor in winning or losing your case. A seasoned attorney can moderate penalties, negotiate plea bargains, or even contest the evidence gathered against you.
Comply with Court Orders: Whatever the court needs, whether that's attending alcohol education classes, serving community service, or having an IID installed, being timely in complying with court orders indicates a lot of responsibility.
Seek Assistance: It's okay to call on friends and family, or counselling services, to help work through the emotional consequences of a DUI.
Learn and Better: Accept it as a wake-up call to be improved for the future, i.e., alcohol rehab or learning better habits.

Wrapping Up

A Colorado Springs DUI charge is certainly intimidating, but it cannot be a dead-end. By becoming familiar with the legal process, defending yourself, and getting back to the work of rebuilding your life, you can enter the future with hope and determination. The key is to gain from the experience, make smart choices, and plan for the future. Should you, or a friend, have been victimized by a Colorado Springs DUI assault, professional assistance and counselling are the keys to a future that shines bright.