Impaired driving laws in Colorado cover a number of scenarios in which drivers may be under the influence of substances. This includes impairment just under the legal limits, as well as impairment by substances other than alcohol alone.
Knowing the differences in charges and the laws can help you understand what may be on the line when you or a loved one faces driving while ability impaired (DWAI) or driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) Douglas County or anywhere in Colorado. It can also help you start to identify some defense options and what to do next.
DWAI charges are essentially lesser versions of DUI charges for a first offense. The difference generally lies in the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). At BACs between 0.05 and 0.08, DWAI charges may be filed; when BACs are at or over 0.08, DUI charges and penalties can come into play.
DUID charges, as the name implies, are filed when the impairment is allegedly the result of drugs. This can include legal drugs (e.g., over-the-counter medicine and prescription medications) and illegal drugs.
Here, it’s also important to know that:
Check out the table below to see how the penalties for Colorado DWAIs, DUIs, and DUIDs vary for a first offense. Please be aware that all of these charges are typically filed at the misdemeanor level and that these penalties shown below assume that no aggravating factors (e.g., accidents or other crimes) were involved.
| Drunk Driving Offense | Incarceration | Fines | Other Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWAI | 2 to 180 days in jail | $200 to $500 | No driver’s license suspension8 DMV license points24 to 48 hrs. of community service |
| 1st DUI | 5 days to 1 year in jail | $600 to $1,000 | 9 mo. Driver’s license suspension12 DMV license points48 to 96 hrs. of community service |
| 1st DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher | 5 days to 1 year in jail | $600 to $1,000 | A persistent drunk driver (PPD) designationLonger driver’s license suspensions12 DMV license points48 to 96 hrs. of community service |
| 1st DUID | 5 days to 1 year in jail | $600 to $1,000 | 9 mo. Driver’s license suspension12 DMV license points48 to 96 hrs. of community service |
As upsetting as it can be to be accused of DWAI, DUI, or DUID, charges are not a conviction. There can be many ways to refute the allegations and weaken the case of the prosecution. In impaired driving cases, some effective defense strategies can include:
The truth is the best defense for a DWAI, DUI, or DUID case in Douglas County will depend on what happened, the evidence, and more. Find out what your best defense options are by contacting an experienced Douglas County and Parker DUI lawyer today.
A Douglas County DWAI & DUID lawyer at the Law Office of Lori Crystal, LLC is here for you, ready to protect and defend your rights when you have been accused of drunk or drugged driving. Highly experienced and exceptionally skilled, our team will fight zealously for you, helping you navigate the criminal justice system while striving for favorable resolutions.
The reality is that you only have one chance to make your case, and the time you have to craft and strengthen it can be very limited. When you want the best possible outcomes and a trusted Castle Rock DUI lawyer in your corner, it’s time to contact the Law Office of Lori Crystal, LLC.
Call or email our firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
The sooner you contact our team, the faster we can get to work defending you. Our Douglas County DUI lawyer is effective at defending people in misdemeanor and felony DUI cases, including those that have aggravating circumstances—or where it may seem like there are few options. With the Law Office of Lori in your corner, you can be confident that you have an experienced lawyer protecting your rights and fighting for ideal resolutions at every step.
Discover the difference our team can make by contacting the Law Office of Lori Crystal, LLC for a consultation today.
