Being convicted of a DUI can bring many long-lasting impacts on your personal and professional life that you may not have even known it could bring you. People tend not to acknowledge the fact that a conviction can drip into your jobs, personal connections, and even where you stay. It is crucial to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately after an arrest to avoid these harsh consequences.
CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH A DUI.
In Colorado, consequences upon conviction tend to be severe, so it is important to know the TWO levels that you can be charged with. Driving While Ability is Impaired(DWAI) or Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs(DUI) are the two you can be charged with. It is also imperative to have a strong defense strategy in place to protect your rights and minimize the penalties. Being too quick to plead guilty can be detrimental to your case, so it is important to know the penalties associated with a potential conviction.
Criminal Consequences: DUI violations may very well result in multiple criminal penalties extending from 10 days to a year in jail if it is your first or subsequent offense. Felony charges (three or more priors) may lead to a prison sentence.
Employment Screening Implications – On top of fines, having an IDD, and possible jail time, having a criminal record can have an impact on employment opportunities, potentially leading to you being excluded from certain job opportunities and even getting fired from your current job.
License Penalties: It’s important to remember that the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles has the authority to suspend your license for a DUI or a DWAI, even if you have not been criminally charged in court. A license revocation like this can last up to nine months for high-breath alcohol or twelve months for just refusal. You have to attend a separate hearing if you want your driving privileges safeguarded.
Attending Hearings: You must act swiftly after receiving an administrative notice from the DMV regarding alcohol-related issues. You only have SEVEN days to request a hearing, and failing to do so will ultimately result in a revocation of your ability to drive. Therefore, take immediate action to protect your driving rights.
Getting Your Vehicle Impounded: After a DUI or DWAI arrest, law enforcement may impound your vehicle. A fee may be charged upon its release.
Criminal Consequences: DUI violations may very well result in multiple criminal penalties extending from 10 days to a year in jail if it is your first or subsequent offense. Felony charges (three or more priors) may lead to a prison sentence.
Driver’s License Reinstatement: When a driver’s license is suspended or revoked, it is required that you pay a substantial reinstatement fee to reacquire your driving privileges.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): If you thought the consequences couldn’t get more tedious, it is mandatory to install an Ignition Interlock Device, which comes with an installation fee associated and monthly maintenance fees. Failing the breathalyzer test on the IID will result in additional fees for unlocking the vehicle.
SR22 Insurance: To restore your driving privileges after a DUI or DWAI violation, an SR22 insurance policy is needed. The length of time it takes to reinstate your license depends on the severity of the offense. SR22 insurance rates are significantly higher and can greatly increase the amount you pay on insurance yearly.
PROTECT YOU AND YOUR RIGHTS WITH AN EXPERT.
To avoid extensive penalties, it is of vital importance that you contact an Expert in the field. Contact Shipp-Law at (970)925-2255 or visit our website for experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys who won’t rest until your best possible outcome is achieved. We are dedicated to advocating for our clients, minimizing penalties, and exploring potential avenues for case dismissal.