Sawyer Legal Group LLC

Talk To An Attorney – Now: 303-731-0719

  • Home
  • About
  • Crime Definitions
  • Practice Areas
    • Crimes A-Z
    • Domestic Violence
    • Person / Violent Crimes
    • Sexual Offenses
    • Property Crimes
    • Juvenile Crimes
    • DUI / DWAI / Traffic
  • Case Results
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact
CLOSE MENU X

How Can We Help?

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

Image of Kyle B. Sawyer
  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. DUI/DWAI
  4.  » 
  5. Felony DUI In Colorado

Felony DUI In Colorado

Felony DUI/DWAI Attorneys In Denver And Across Colorado

The day when a fourth DUI or DWAI amounts to a felony has finally come in Colorado. Many other states have already passed laws where at some point a DUI will be a felony. Generally, the difference between states is at what point you qualify for a felony and what other crimes will count against you for the three priors before a felony is charged. The gist of our felony DUI traffic law is that you get three misdemeanor DUI charges before #4 is charged as a felony. Other major traffic offenses can take the place of #1-3 DUIs and be counted against a driver. So, study the information below.

Arapahoe County Felony DUI Conviction – What Qualifies?

Alcohol convictions in other states will count against Colorado drivers in getting to DUI/DWAI #4. So, you can’t hide from your driving past by moving from state to state. Your alcohol driving convictions will follow you. Other states may not have as severe of a punishment for crimes like DUI/DWAI, but here, they still count the same. Another important piece of information is that not just DUI and DWAI convictions count against a driver for number 1-3. Traffic crimes like vehicular assault and vehicular homicide also count toward your felony qualification. So, even if you’ve never had a prior DUI or DWAI, you can get a felony for your first driving under the influence conviction. Imagine someone who has one vehicular homicide charge and two vehicular assault charges. When they next get their first Arapahoe County DWAI, they can be sent to prison for six years.

Driving Under The Influence In Douglas County And How Punishments Differ

If you get charged with your first through third DWAI, DUI, or combination of the two, your maximum penalty is one year in the Douglas County jail. While that is tough, it is nothing near the six times more serious punishment for a fourth DUI or DWAI – six years in the Department of Corrections. Plus, with #4, you will be a convicted felon. Felons suffer serious prejudice when applying for a job, security clearance, apartment or home rental. The felony is not absolute, since prosecutors and deputy district attorneys are permitted to charge your fourth DUI as a misdemeanor. Normally, they go with the felony charge, particularly for DUI’s over #4. We have seen men and women in our state with more than ten DUI convictions.

DUI Felony In Jefferson County – Consequences Of A Department Of Corrections Prison Sentence

With the Felony classification of a 4th DUI/DWAI in Jefferson County, Colorado, the judge is permitted to sentence you to the Colorado Department of Corrections for any term up to a maximum six years. You could get one year, two, four or all six. The punishment has substantially increased under our new law. Parole must also be tacked on to any prison sentence. Colorado law also requires that if you want to drive while you are on parole, you must have an interlock device installed in your car or truck. This six year maximum sentence does not include other charges which generally accompany DUI arrests, for things like hit-and-run, Leaving the scene of an accident, or vehicular assault. Judges are allowed to fashion a felony DUI sentence to include things like county jail, community corrections, work release in the county jail and straight prison time.

Adams County Habitual Traffic Offender Strikes For A Felony DUI And More

The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles has set up a list of major traffic offense strikes which count toward a driver being classified as an Habitual Traffic Offender. You can get this classification on your drivers license by being convicted of three of the following crimes in seven years: DUI, DWAI, reckless driving, hit-and-run (leaving the scene of an accident), DUI – Drugs, vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, driving after suspension or revocation, criminally negligent homicide and providing false information to DMV. If someone becomes an habitual traffic offender (HTO) their license is revoked for five years. A revocation is worse than a suspension, because there is little or no chance for a probationary license to drive to work or to take children to school. Another important reminder: if you are ever caught driving while a Habitual Traffic Offender, there is mandatory Adams County jail time that must be served.

Have A Felony DUI Arrest? Seek The Best DUI Lawyers ASAP.

Being a convicted felon sentenced to six years in prison can wipe out all you’ve worked for. Colorado lawmakers continue to make DUI/DWAI laws more steep, even lowering the BAC level or how easy it is to be convicted of drinking and driving offenses. In this climate, you need to gather information on how to protect your life. Our defense attorneys know felony DUI law well and how to seek a lesser sentence charge from the DA and judge. Under most circumstances, and judge is required by law to consider factors we present which suggest that a nonprison sentence would be the best course. Never give a statement to police when they contact you. They are only looking for admissions to use against you in court. Call the best DUI attorneys at 303-731-0719, 24/7. Together, we can protect your future.

Facing Charges? Get Help Now!
Facing Charges? Get Help Now!

Practice Areas

  • Crimes A-Z
    • Assaults
      • Assaults In The First Degree
      • Assaults In The Second Degree
      • Assault In The Third Degree
    • Child Abuse
      • Dependency And Neglect Resulting From Child Abuse
      • Felony Child Abuse
      • Misdemeanor Child Abuse
      • Trails Listing At DHS
    • City & Municipal Courts
      • Aurora Municipal Court
      • Castle Rock Municipal Court
      • Denver Municipal Court
      • Lakewood Municipal Court
      • Public Nuisance In Denver
      • Westminster Municipal Court
      • Wheat Ridge Municipal Court
    • Courts, Probation And Procedures
      • Arrest And Jail Process
      • Attempt To Commit A Crime
      • Attorney Fees For Criminal Cases
      • Bail/Bond Procedures
      • Colorado Courts Map
      • Conspiracy To Commit A Crime
      • Contempt Charges By A Court
      • Counties In Colorado: Find Your County
      • Court Hearings In Criminal Cases
      • Courthouses
      • Entrapment As A Defense
      • Expungement Of Juvenile Records
      • Extradition To And From Colorado
      • Insanity And Incompetency
      • Jury Trials – When & Why?
      • Miranda Rights
      • Municipal/Petty Crime Record Sealing
      • Municipal Courts
      • Plea Bargains
      • Presentence Investigation Report
      • Probation Sentence/Probation Officers
      • Probation Violations
      • Record Sealing
      • Restitution From Criminal Convictions
      • Sealing Of Drug Convictions In Colorado
      • Sentencing In Criminal Cases
      • Subpoena Service Of Process
      • Violation Of Bail Bond Conditions
      • Voting With A Felony Or Misdemeanor
      • Warrants
    • Cruelty To Animals In Colorado
    • Disorderly Conduct in Colorado
    • Drug Charges
      • Cocaine Possession
      • Crack Cocaine Possession
      • Ecstasy Possession
      • Heroin Possession
      • Marijuana (Marihuana) Cultivation
      • Marijuana On Probation
      • Marijuana Possession
      • Methamphetamine/Meth Possession
      • Schedule I Or II Drugs Without Prescription
      • Schedule Of Drug Offenses
    • Firearms Rights & Crimes
      • Concealed Carry Permit
      • Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm
      • Possession Of A Concealed Weapon
      • Possession of an Illegal or Dangerous Weapon
      • Possession Of A Weapon – Previous Offender
      • Possession Of Handgun By Juvenile
      • Prohibited Use of Weapons
      • Purchase & Sale Of Firearms
    • Fraud/Forgery
      • Casino Fraudulent Acts
      • Check Fraud
      • Criminal Extortion
      • Criminal Impersonation in Colorado
      • False Information To A Pawn Broker
      • Forgery In Colorado
      • Gambling And Casino Crimes
      • Identity Theft In Colorado
      • Unauthorized Use Of A Financial Transaction Device
    • Internet Sex Crimes
      • Enticement Of A Child
      • Indeterminate Sentence Sex Crimes
      • Indeterminate Sentencing In Colorado
      • Internet Luring of a Child
      • Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child
      • Sexual Exploitation of a Child
    • Jail and Prison Information
      • Adams County Jail
      • Arapahoe County Jail
      • Community Corrections
      • Denver County Jail And Detention
      • DNA Expungement
      • Douglas County Jail
      • Inmate Communication
      • Introducing Contraband
      • Jail And Prison Life
      • Jail Intake/Entry
      • Jail Visit By A Lawyer
      • Jefferson County Jail
      • Parole From Prison
      • Parole Revocation Hearings
      • Prison & Department of Corrections
      • Work Release From Jail
    • Police-Involved Crimes
      • Assault in the Second Degree – Police
      • Escape In Colorado
      • False Reporting In Colorado
      • Impersonating A Peace/Police Officer
      • Obstruction In Colorado
      • Resisting Arrest In Colorado
    • Restraining Orders
      • Civil Protection Order Dismissal & Modification
      • Civil Restraining/Protection Orders In Criminal Cases
      • Criminal Restraining Orders In Colorado
      • Violation Of A Protection Order
    • Witness And Victim Crimes
      • Aggravated Intimidation Of A Victim Or Witness
      • Bribing Or Bribery Of Witness Or Victim
      • Intimidation of a Witness or Victim
      • Perjury In Colorado
      • Retaliation Against A Witness Or Victim
      • Witness or Victim Tampering
  • Domestic Violence
    • Civil Assist In Domestic Violence
    • Domestic Violence Definition
    • Domestic Violence Protection/Restraining Orders In Colorado
    • Domestic Violence Treatment In Colorado
    • Firearms And Domestic Violence
    • Intimate Relationship – Sex Not Required
    • Victim’s Advocates
  • Person and Violent Crimes
    • At Risk Adults & Juveniles
    • False Imprisonment
    • Harassment In Colorado
    • Kidnapping
    • Manslaughter in Colorado
    • Menacing
    • Murder / Homicide
    • Obstructing a Peace Officer in Colorado
    • Obstruction of Telephone Service
    • Reckless Endangerment
    • Resisting Arrest Charges in Colorado
    • Robbery
    • Stalking Definition
  • Sexual Offenses
    • Failure To Register As A Sex Offender In Colorado
    • Incest & Aggravated Incest In Colorado
    • Indecent Exposure in Colorado
    • Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification
    • Class 6 Felony Sexual Assault, Child Victim
    • Promotion Of Obscenity To A Minor
    • Prostitution, Solicitation And Pimping In Colorado
    • Public Indecency
    • Sex Offender Deregistration In Colorado
    • Sex Offender Registration
    • Sex Offender Sentencing
    • Sex Offender Treatment Overview
    • Sexual Assault Charges in Colorado
    • Sexual Assault Felony Charges in Colorado
    • Sexual Assault on a Child
    • Pattern of Sexual Abuse, Defined
    • Sexual Assault on a Child, Position of Trust
    • Sexual Assault Misdemeanor Charges in Colorado
    • Unlawful Sexual Contact
  • Property Crimes
    • Arson
      • First-Degree Arson
      • Fourth-Degree Arson
      • Second-Degree Arson
      • Third-Degree Arson
    • Burglary
      • First Degree Burglary
      • Possession Of Burglary Tools
      • Second Degree Burglary
      • Third Degree Burglary
      • Burglary Law Changes in Colorado
    • Criminal Mischief In Colorado
    • Theft And Embezzlement
      • Accessory to Crime & Complicity
      • Motor Vehicle Theft
      • Computer Crime
      • Construction Trust Fund Theft
      • Embezzlement
      • Felony Theft In Colorado
      • Misdemeanor Theft In Colorado
      • Shoplifting Theft In Colorado
    • Juvenile Crimes
      • Direct Filing
      • Interference With Educational Institutions
      • Juvenile Detention Facilities
      • Juvenile Record Expungement
      • Juvenile Sexting And Texting In Colorado
      • Juvenile Sexual Assault on a Child in Colorado
      • Minor in Possession of Alcohol
      • Our Juvenile Justice System
    • Trespassing/Trespass
      • First-Degree Criminal Trespass
      • Second-Degree Criminal Trespass
      • Third-Degree Criminal Trespass
  • DUI / DWAI / Traffic
    • Breathalyzer Test
    • DMV Hearing
    • Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol
    • Driving While Ability Impaired By Alcohol
    • DUI/DWAI Expressed Consent
    • DWAI/DUI Blood Alcohol Content (Blood Alcohol Concentration)
    • Felony DUI In Colorado
    • Field Sobriety Test
    • Handling The Colorado DUI/DWAI Stop
    • Unlawful Acts – Alcohol
    • What Is The Difference Between DUI And DWAI?
    • Traffic Crimes
      • Accident Involving Damage
      • Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries
      • Careless Driving
      • Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Hearings in Colorado
      • DMV Point System in Colorado
      • Driving Under Restraint in Colorado
      • Failure To Report An Accident
      • Habitual Traffic Offender & Aggravated Driving
      • Hit and Run – Leaving the Scene of an Accident
      • OJW – Outstanding Judgment Warrant
      • Probationary Driver’s License
      • Reckless Driving
      • Speeding Tickets
      • Vehicular Assault In Colorado
      • Vehicular Eluding In Colorado
      • Vehicular Homicide
  • Sex Offenses – An Overview
  • Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape And Statutory Rape
  • Victimless Sex Offenses
  • Sex Offender Registry
  • False Allegations
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Offenses
  • Sex Offenses – Resource Links

Don’t Talk To The Police – Talk To Us.

Evaluate My Case

Contact Us

Denver Office

3801 E. Florida Avenue
Suite 725
Denver, CO 80210

Denver Office

Castle Rock Office

757 Maleta Ln
Suite 204
Castle Rock, CO 80108

Castle Rock Office

Westminster Office

1490 West 121st Avenue
Suite 102
Westminster, CO 80234

Westminster Office

Phone:
1-866-365-9351

Phone:
303-731-0719

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
Review Us

© 2025 Sawyer Legal Group, LLC • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw