Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Changes to Denver DUI / DWAI Laws that Affect Driving Privileges

On Behalf of | Apr 24, 2015 | DUI / DWAI |

You Can Now Get Reinstated Sooner from your DUI / DWAI

In Arapahoe and Douglas County, defendants charged with DUI / DWAI want to know whether they will be able to continue to drive. Defendants usually have to deal with the criminal case separate and apart from any ramifications that occur at the DMV. They are two separate matters. Fortunately, recent changes to DUI / DWAI laws in Colorado make it possible to reinstate your driving privileges early. Read more about DUI / DWAI Facts in Colorado.

Colorado’s Express Consent Law

Colorado’s Express Consent Law, C.R.S. 42-4-1301.1, requires a driver to consent to a chemical test of their blood or breath if law enforcement has reasonable grounds to believe the driver is under the influence or their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs, alcohol or both. Prior to 2014, when drivers refused to submit to a blood or breath test under Colorado’s Express Consent law, the driver would lose their driving privileges for 1 year with no option to reinstate early or obtain a probationary license.

Changes to Colorado drunk driving laws now mean that drivers can reinstate early, even in cases of a 1st offense refusal. Now, a driver can now reinstate their driver’s license with a probationary license and the interlock ignition system after 2 months. Early reinstatement of driving privileges will require the driver to have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle for 2 years.

Second or Subsequent DUI / DWAI Charges in Colorado

Changes to DUI / DWAI laws have also made it so that people on their second offense can reinstate early. Prior to 2014, a second or subsequent per se revocation for a BAC of 0.08 or greater required a 1 year license revocation with no driving, meaning the driver would only be eligible to reinstate with the interlock after not driving for 1 year. Now, a driver with a second or subsequent per se revocation may early reinstate with an ignition interlock restricted license after 1 month of no driving.

If you or a loved one is charged with DUI / DWAI, you need an experienced attorney in Adams or Jefferson County who can represent you in the Court and at the DMV. We have spent years defending the accused against DUI cases across Colorado, and we can help you too. So, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.