What Constitutes DUI Charges in Colorado?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense codified in Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 42-4-1301(2)(a), which states that any person who “drives a vehicle when the person's BAC is 0.08 or more at the time of driving or within two hours after driving commits DUI.”
In other words, a DUI is committed when drivers operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs that affect them to a degree where they are substantially incapable, mentally or physically, of exercising clear judgment, sufficient physical control, or due care in the safe operation of a vehicle.
Can You Go to Jail for a First Offense DUI?
The criminal penalties for any DUI conviction can vary depending on the nature of the offense. Although first-time DUI offenders are typically penalized less severely than other offenses, such as drivers with prior convictions, even first offense DUIs can lead to jail time. It’s vital to seek sound counsel from a trusted first-time DUI defense lawyer so they can work to reduce the penalties against you, including jail time and other harsh consequences.
Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1307(3)(a), first-time DUIs are typically charged as misdemeanors that are punishable by:
- 5 days to 1 year in jail
- $600 to $1,000 in fines
- Up to 2 years of probation
- 48-96 hours of community service
- Up to 9 months of license revocation
Do I Need a Lawyer for My First DUI Offense?
Every DUI case is unique, and while some cases may seem straightforward, there are often legal complexities at play that only an experienced first-time DUI defense attorney can recognize, let alone navigate effectively.
Even if you suspect your charges are unjust or disproportional to the offense, consulting with a Colorado Springs defense attorney is critical to protect your rights and explore all potential defenses to dismiss or reduce the DUI charges against you.
In addition to preserving your rights and defending against biased prosecutors and law enforcement officers, hiring a reputable DUI defense lawyer can also save defendants time and money, such as by pursuing alternative sentencing to incarceration and related penalties that can impose costly burdens on accused drivers.
At The Gasper Law Group, we can assist you with:
- Negotiating effectively to minimize the penalties you're facing
- Challenging or invalidating the evidence presented by the prosecution
- Investigating and gathering evidence to dispute the prosecution's claims
- Fighting tirelessly to reduce or drop the charges against you
Ignition Interlock Devices for First-Time DUIs
In certain cases, first-time DUI offenders may also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. This device measures the driver's BAC before allowing them to start their car and randomly throughout their trip.
Under C.R.S. § 42-2-132.5, courts can order IIDs as part of probation or a restricted license, so it’s essential to secure representation from a skilled Springs first-time DUI defense attorney who can negotiate for limited or no IID requirements.
IID costs can add up quickly, but you don't have to fight this battle alone. Our fierce DUI defense attorneys can work closely with you to reduce or avoid IID requirements altogether, such as by challenging the prosecution's evidence against you or employing other effective defense strategies to reduce or negotiate the penalties you're facing.
Set up an initial consultation with our office today. Discuss your case with our Colorado Springs Lawyers at
(719) 212-2448 or complete our contact form.
Colorado Springs First-Time DUI Defense Lawyer
Aggressively Defending Against First-Time DUI Offenses
Facing drunk driving charges of any kind can be terrifying and overwhelming to navigate, especially for first-time offenders. If you were charged with your first DUI offense in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area, it’s critical to secure an experienced defense as soon as possible to avoid life-altering consequences in criminal court.
That’s where our first-time DUI defense lawyers come in. With nearly twenty years of experience defending the accused, The Gasper Law Group has defended clients in thousands of criminal cases, from felony DUI to DWAI and related charges. We understand how quickly one bad decision can derail a person’s life, which is why our fierce lawyers are here to fight for your freedom, defend your rights, and protect your hard-earned reputation.
If you were charged with your first DUI offense, our firm can fight to reduce or dismiss the penalties against you. Call (719) 212-2448 to request a free consultation.
Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs
At our firm, we understand that life doesn’t stop after a first-time DUI charge. You may have work commitments, family obligations, and other responsibilities that demand your time and attention. That’s why our seasoned defense attorneys are here to guide your steps with precision and clarity, allowing you to focus on moving forward and taking back your life while we help you navigate the complexities of your criminal case.
Our Colorado Springs first-time DUI defense attorneys have a proven track record of results in helping clients secure reduced charges, dismissals, and other favorable outcomes in criminal court. Our extensive knowledge and experience in criminal law make us well-equipped to aggressively defend our clients and restore their freedom.
At The Gasper Law Group, our highly skilled defense attorneys have helped thousands of clients defend their rights and safeguard their freedom. We believe that no one deserves to suffer incarceration or expensive fines after making a one-time mistake, which is why our team is dedicated to leveraging proven defenses for our clients to fight for the favorable outcome they deserve.
Charged with a DUI? Our aggressive attorneys can defend your rights. Contact us online to discuss your case.
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I really want to Thank Jack, Emily, and Therese for all their hard work taking care of my sister Pamela Bellos’s estate , they answered every call, every email from me in the long process of this probate and they all was very professional
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"Don’t have much hope? Leave it to Caryn she will change that."I dug myself a deep hole and didn’t have much hope or luck with the attorney I used before. I called Gasper law group and Caryn Adams was my attorney that took charge of everything. I couldn’t have asked for anything better the outcome she made possible is everything I wanted. She is great at her job and takes cases seriously … don’t have much hope leave it to Caryn she will change that. Thanks Gasper law group you’re the best!- Mike L.
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Why Choose The Gasper Law Group?
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Offering Payment Plans
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Helping People First
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Committed to the Community