Denver DUI And DWAI Defense Attorneys Defending Your Freedom

If your blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches .08% or higher at a traffic stop, you may face driving under the influence (DUI) charges. Driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charges, on the other hand, can apply to levels as low as .05%. In Colorado, both can carry severe penalties, from license suspension to possible jail time and a criminal record that can damage your career and reputation.

At Sawyer Legal Group, LLC, we understand the gravity of these charges. Our attorneys focus exclusively on criminal defense, giving us deeper knowledge and experience in challenging DUI or DWAI evidence and procedures. Moreover, we work directly with you. We will thoroughly examine every aspect of your case and protect your rights at every step of the process.

The Potential Impact Of A Colorado DUI Or DWAI Conviction

Aside from the obvious consequences such as fines, imprisonment and loss of your driving privileges, there are other consequences that may follow a DUI or DWAI conviction:

• Employers are permitted to discriminate against those with criminal records. You may lose your job or find increased difficulty obtaining future employment.
• If you drive a commercial vehicle for a living, you may be required to surrender your license.
• Insurance rates may skyrocket, or you may not be able to get insured at all. 
• In this era of easy criminal background information access, you may also be restricted from traveling to foreign countries, even Canada. 
• If children were in your car, the police may also charge you with child abuse or reckless endangerment.

Whether you are stopped by the Colorado State Patrol, an Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputy, a police officer or any one of the dozens of law enforcement agencies in Colorado, you have the right to hire a lawyer and mount an aggressive defense to prevent any of the harmful consequences listed above.

It is generally advisable to never speak to the police – wait for your lawyer to advise you. At Sawyer Legal Group, LLC, we will draw upon our extensive experience and knowledge gained from handling numerous DUI or DWAI cases to build a strong defense for you.

The Difference Between Misdemeanor And Felony DUI Or DWAI 

Colorado law specifies penalties for both misdemeanor and felony DUI or DWAI. The distinction often depends on prior convictions. A misdemeanor charge can become a felony if a driver has three prior alcohol driving convictions for DUI or DWAI and currently faces a fourth charge. The possible sentence for a misdemeanor DUI or DWAI conviction is up to one year in the Jefferson County Jail (or other county jails). For a felony DUI, the punishment is up to six years in the Colorado Department of Corrections prison system.

Your Rights Regarding Sobriety Tests And Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law

After a traffic stop, you have the choice whether or not to submit to roadside maneuvers or a portable breath test (PBT). The PBT is a handheld testing device that is used to support an arrest. Even though law enforcement may not tell you, both the PBT and the roadside maneuvers are voluntary. You have the choice whether or not to submit to a field sobriety test or a PBT.

It is generally not in your best interest to submit to these tests in the field. You must, however, take the chemical test at the hospital or police station (after an arrest). Refusal to do so may result in a mandatory license revocation.

Moreover, if you have a Colorado driver’s license, you have already given your “expressed consent” for the police to administer an approved blood alcohol test in order to determine your BAC, following the officer’s decision to arrest you. At this point, you are required to take one of two tests: the breath test or the blood test. If you refuse, you will automatically lose your license for at least one year.

Our Approach To Defending Your DUI Or DWAI Case

The attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC, will fight for you every step of the way by:

• Challenging the legality of your traffic stop
• Suppressing evidence
• Defending you at your administrative hearing (often referred to as the DMV hearing) to keep your driving privileges
• Challenging the breathalyzer results
• Interacting with DMV officials and court personnel
• Referring you to alcohol classes and treatment centers, if appropriate

Defending your DUI or DWAI involves analyzing several factors that come into play, such as your responses and the results of any field sobriety tests, the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test, and the BAC reading itself. Our attorneys will carefully review your entire case and highlight any errors or inaccuracies that occurred during your arrest. We will also walk you through all your legal options that can help lessen any penalties, if there are any. 

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About DUI/DWAI Charges In Colorado

We understand you’re facing uncertainty about your future, your driving privileges and your career. Below, we’ve addressed some of the most common concerns our clients have when facing these charges. However, remember that every case is unique, and it’s crucial to seek professional legal advice specific to your situation.

Will I lose my driver’s license after a first DUI offense?

Yes, even first-time DUI offenders face license suspension in Colorado. After a DUI arrest, you have only seven days to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension. Without action, your license will be automatically suspended for nine months with a BAC of .08% or higher. We can represent you at this crucial DMV hearing, which is separate from your criminal case, to fight for your driving privileges.

Can I get a restricted license to drive to work after a DUI?

Yes, but with limitations. After serving a portion of your suspension (typically 30 days for first offenders), you may qualify for an interlock-restricted license that allows you to drive with an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device requires you to provide an alcohol-free breath sample before starting your car. We can guide you through the application process and help determine when you become eligible.

Will a DUI show up on employment background checks?

Unfortunately, yes. A DUI is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation, and it appears on background checks. However, we may be able to pursue options such as:

• Charge reduction
• Deferred judgment
• Eventual record sealing 

However, this depends on the circumstances of your case and how much time has passed since the conviction.

You Are Not Alone In This Fight: Call Us Today

A DUI charge doesn’t define you, but how you respond to it matters deeply. Our dedicated criminal defense attorneys focus exclusively on cases like yours. We bring an in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s DUI laws and a genuine commitment to protecting your future.

Our 24/7 availability means reliable legal guidance is just a phone call away. Contact Sawyer Legal Group, LLC, by calling us at 303-731-0719 or filling out our online contact form today.