Colorado has many DUI laws that could affect you and how you’re penalized if you’re arrested and convicted of a DUI. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can land you with a DUI that has the potential to cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars, threaten your license and could put you in jail.
If you think you might be able to avoid penalties by refusing a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test, you’d be wrong in Colorado. If you refuse, you face penalties thanks to the implied consent law. This is a law that states that any driver in Colorado automatically gives consent to submit to a chemical test of the urine, blood or breath on request to determine if alcohol is present in the body. The tests may also be used to identify if drugs are in the body that could cause intoxication.
The state does have a minimum license suspension or revocation penalty depending on the number of times you’ve violated the law. A first offense leads to a license suspension or revocation of at least nine months, for instance, while a third offense could lead to a suspension or revocation of two years or longer. Those convicted must also go through alcohol education classes, assessment and treatment as required by law. Those who commit a second offense must use an ignition interlock device if the court deems it necessary.
Your attorney can help you fight charges, so you can work to have them lowered or dismissed. These are just some of the penalties you face, so it’s worth defending your reputation and freedom.
Source: FindLaw, “What Are the Colorado DUI Laws?,” accessed July 06, 2017