Boulder DUI Attorney

Can DUI Charges Result in Serious Penalties?

DUI charges result in serious criminal and administrative penalties for drivers who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driver's license suspension, points on the offender's driving record, fines, public service hours, and even jail time can result from a DUI conviction.

If charged with a DUI, the best defense is a Lancaster Law Office, LLC DUI attorney who will ensure that your rights receive full legal representation and immediate investigative support.

First DUI Conviction

A driver convicted of a first DUI offense may face both criminal and administrative penalties. Administrative penalties are those enforced by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (driver's license suspension) and criminal penalties are those enforced when the driver is convicted in criminal court (imprisonment, fines, probation, etc.)

Every case is different, so the following should be considered as a basic outline of the potential penalties that may be enforced:

• 9-month driver's license suspension
• 12 points on driving record
• 5 days to 1 year in jail
• $600 to $1,000 fine
• 48 to 96 hours public service
• Up to $500 in court fees and penalty surcharges

In some cases, a driver may be able to avoid a mandatory minimum jail sentence by agreeing to undergo an alcohol treatment program. Even with a suspended jail sentence, a driver may face harsh penalties if arrested and convicted of DUI. This is why it is so important to move quickly and involve an attorney who can protect your legal rights and interests.

About DUI Penalties in Boulder, Colorado

Lancaster Law Office has proven experience with the technicalities of DUI charges and can create strategies to minimize the penalties attached to DUI charges. DUI penalties for first time offenders can include an automatic nine month driver's license suspension plus 12 points on their driving record. Further penalties may include up to one year of jail time, monetary fines, and documented hours of public service.

Prior DUI Convictions

In cases in which the accused individual has a prior DUI conviction, the penalties increase exponentially including a possible mandatory jail sentence, monitored sobriety and the driver's license suspension can stretch to two years. Jail time, fines, and public service hours increase as well.

Repeated DUI offenses can result in having their license revoked for two years and be followed by restrictions on your driving privileges including the prolonged requirement of an ignition interlock device. A fourth DUI conviction is now considered a felony and penalties include up to six years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.

Refusal to Submit to a Breathalyzer Test

There are penalties for refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or chemical test as well. If you face DUI charges and penalties, you need a fully qualified attorney with the knowledge to advocate your rights, an attorney who possesses the experience to work at dismissing the charges or reducing the damaging penalties that a DUI charge inflicts.