Colorado Stated DUI Laws

If you are pulled over for drunk driving in the state of Colorado, you can be charged based on one of three reasons. Most people are charged based on their blood alcohol content level (BAC). Anyone driving with a BAC of .08% or higher is guilty of DUI. However, Colorado also has a lesser offense, known as DWAI or Driving While Ability Impaired, which allows someone to be charged when their BAC is .05% or higher. Additionally, the state's per se laws allow officers to charge drivers with DUI based on driving patterns alone.

If you are charged with DUI or DWAI in the state of Colorado, you will want to get in contact with a lawyer quickly, because you only have seven days after your arrest to file the necessary paperwork with the Colorado Department of Revenue to request a driver's license hearing. If you do not request the hearing, your license will be suspended.

First time offenders who are guilty of a Colorado DUI can expect to face the following consequences. You will pay a fine that is between $300 and $1,000. You will also spend up to 1 year in jail, but this is typically closer to 5 days. Public service is also required and your license will likely be revoked for a year. DWI convictions have more lenient penalties.