Colorado Springs DUI Laws
Over 1 million drivers were arrested in 2016 for driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. For the state of Colorado, a DUI stands for “driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs” and a DWAI stands for “driving while the person’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs.” Depending on the blood alcohol content (BAC), both can be serious criminal offenses.
- BAC .05 – .08: a person is likely impaired by alcohol
- BAC over .08: a person is under the influence of alcohol
Five Reasons to Use an Attorney
No matter the case, if you are charged with a DUI or DWAI, your case may benefit from the help of a Colorado Springs attorney. Here are five reasons DUI attorneys can help you in a DUI case.
- Experience: DUI lawyers often specialize in this area of the law. They know the legal terms and keep themselves up-to-date on any changes being made. Because they specialize in DUIs, they have seen a variety of situations and cases that will give them a good sense of what options they can provide you to lessen the charges. They will know the proper way of attacking the situation and negotiating with prosecution.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Sometimes a case may not even make it to trial depending on how pre-trial conferences go. This is the time attorneys can negotiate for reduced charges or even have them dropped altogether. If attorneys can work out a decent compromise, the case may not have to enter the trial stage at all.
- Pleading: In addition to conferences, your DUI attorney will counsel you about your options. This includes whether it is beneficial or not to plead guilty if a trial should occur. Some people choose to plead guilty if they are certain they will be convicted by the jury. By doing this, money is likely to be saved from not fighting the charge.
- Motions: Good attorneys will know when to file a helpful motion to assist with preparing a defense for trial. A motion is a written request to the court for specific orders, rulings, or direction. A motion can be one that requires a hearing or one that does not require a hearing. If a hearing is required, attorneys have to appear before a court and argue their request.
- Trial: A good DUI attorney should be able to get charges reduced prior to a trial. They may even be able to avoid a trial, but if a trial is necessary, you need an attorney with the passion and experience to efficiently try your case in front of a jury. Since they will be more familiar with the law, they will be able to appropriately assist and defend you during the trial.
DUIs are not taken lightly in Colorado, but locating a Colorado Springs attorney can help ease the legal process and improve your understanding of what options are available to you.
