As a driver in Colorado, you need to be aware of the potential penalties for drunk driving and how a DUI attorney can help you. These penalties range from fines and community service up to jail time and the loss of your driving privileges. A defense attorney can help to make sure the judge knows all of the facts involved in your situation, and can help to ensure that you do not pay a higher penalty than you should. The penalties for drunk driving can cost you dearly if you are not defended properly.
Penalties for First DUI
If this is your first DUI, the judge may sentence you to a fine of anywhere from $600 to $1000. A Colorado DUI lawyer can help eliminate fines if they are not applicable to your situation. You may also face the loss of your driver's license for up to 9 months and 12 points against your license. The judge will most likely require you to perform community service, usually between 48 to 96 hours. Additional potential penalties for drunk driving may include jail time ranging from 5 days to 1 year. Your defense attorney can explain all of your options and serves as your advocate during this process. In certain cases, the judge may waive jail time if you agree to attend an alcohol treatment program.
Penalties for Multiple DUI
For a second DUI, the costs for drunk driving increase slightly. A DUI attorney will be able to express your side of the situation, especially if you are innocent. You may be required to pay a fine between $1000 and $1500 and have your license suspended for up to 1 year, with 12 points against your license. Before you get your license back, you may have to agree to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Your Colorado DUI attorney can explain the pros and cons of this important decision. Other punishments for drunk driving also include public service requirements ranging from 60 to 120 hours. In some cases, you may face jail time ranging from 90 days to 1 year.
A third incident carries similar potential penalties for drunk driving. You may lose your license for up to 2 years, with 12 points assessed against your license. Your Colorado DUI attorney can help you keep your license so you can drive to work or school. As with the second offense, you may be required to agree to an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and you may have to pay up to $1500 in fines. Public service hour requirements increase to anywhere from 56 to 112 hours and you face jail time of up to 1 year as additional potential penalties for drunk driving. If you are facing any of these sorts of punishments, you must have a skilled attorney in your corner to be sure you have all available options explained to you.
Contact a Colorado Springs DUI Lawyer
Hiring the right DUI attorney is the key to making sure that you are treated fairly during your court proceedings. Your attorney can answer all of your questions regarding your situation and the potential penalties for drunk driving. These potential penalties for drunk driving are intended to sound scary, but your Colorado DUI attorney ensures that the law is applied correctly to your situation.
Contact the law firm of Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. or call 719-387-0616 for a free initial consultation.
