Denver DUI Lawyer

Pulled Over in Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, or Adams County? Call Our DUI Defense Attorney in Denver, CO

Although a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can involve drugs, Colorado uses a separate classification for these offenses—DUID, or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. Often, DUI charges relate to driving under the influence of alcohol.

You may not think your case is serious, but failing to contest your DUI can lead to severe consequences, even for a first-time offense. Penalties can include fines and jail time. What happens when you get a DUI, and how can you defend yourself against the charges and penalties? The best starting point is working with the professionals at Curtis Law Firm, your dedicated DUI defense attorney in Denver, to plan your legal defense.

Understanding how a DUI charge can impact your life is essential—from your reputation to your employment options. Increased insurance premiums and effects on professional licenses can complicate your career. Acting quickly with help from an experienced attorney can improve your outcome and help you maintain your lifestyle.

Contact the experienced Denver DUI attorneys at Curtis Law Firm today by calling (720) 408-7726 to learn more. Flat rates and unbundled services available.

First & Subsequent DUI Offense Penalties with Curtis Law Firm

You might be surprised to learn about the possible penalties associated with even a first-offense DUI charge, including: 

• Alcohol and drug evaluation
• An order to maintain sobriety and submit to monitoring
• Attendance at a victim impact panel organized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
• Fines of $600 to $1,000
• Community service of 48 to 96 hours
• Probation from 0 to 2 years
• Jail time from 5 days to 1 year

The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) in Colorado is 0.08. If you meet or exceed this limit, you will be charged with DUI. However, a BAC over 0.20 triggers even stricter penalties, including a 10-day minimum jail sentence, which a judge might replace with an alternative like electronic home monitoring.

Regardless of how long ago a prior DUI occurred, subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties.

Your second DUI could result in penalties such as:

• Fines of $600 to $1,500
• Community service of 48 to 120 hours
• Probation from 2 to 4 years
• Jail time from 10 days to 1 year, with a mandatory minimum of 10 days (or a sentencing alternative, at the judge's discretion)

For a third DUI offense, you could face:

• Fines of $600 to $1,500
• Community service of 48 to 120 hours
• Probation from 2 to 4 years
• Jail time from 60 days to 1 year
• Driver’s license revocation of up to 2 years (possibly longer, depending on your driving history)

A fourth offense will result in a felony DUI. Penalties may include substantial fines—potentially tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars—and significant jail time, up to several years. You cannot effectively fight DUI charges without experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Curtis Law Firm are ready to help you.

DUI Laws & Their Implications in Denver, CO

Denver, like the rest of Colorado, enforces strict DUI laws designed to discourage impaired driving and promote safer roads. Colorado law treats Driving Under the Influence as covering both alcohol and drugs. The consequences of a DUI charge are serious—potential loss of driving privileges, large fines, or jail time. Understanding these laws and how they apply is fundamental to building a strong defense.

Several specific aspects of Denver DUI laws may impact your case, including:

• Local legal procedures. Colorado’s DUI framework includes both state statutes and local enforcement priorities, with Denver city enforcement sometimes differing from surrounding counties. Denver courts, such as the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, may also follow unique protocols.
• Court location. Knowing where your case will be heard helps your dui lawyer Denver tailor a defense to the expectations and practices of specific judges and prosecutors.
• Strategic timing. Navigating the Denver system requires close attention to local deadlines, which can influence when to file motions or negotiate pleas.
• Aggravating factors. Prior offenses or other aggravating circumstances can change sentencing or eligibility for alternative programs.

When considering a DUI charge in Denver, look at both the legal and personal impacts. Many employers check driving records and review criminal histories, placing an additional burden on those who need to drive for work. These realities show why timely representation is so important for Colorado residents facing DUI charges.

Choosing the Right DUI Defense Attorney in Denver

Selecting a skilled DUI defense attorney in Denver is essential to navigating the court process. An accomplished DUI lawyer understands complex Colorado DUI laws and stays updated on local practices and court expectations. This insight can make a real difference in your defense strategy.

For those searching for the right representation, it can help to consider:

• Attorney experience in Denver courts. Lawyers active in Denver County Court and metro courts have current knowledge of local trends and best practices.
• Knowledge of DUI defense strategies. You should have access to attorneys who explain a wide range of defense approaches, from assessing the accuracy of field sobriety tests to challenging the reasons for a police stop.
• Direct communication style. When you meet prospective counsel, ask about their court experience, familiarity with Denver prosecutors, and ability to adapt to your unique needs. This helps ensure your case gets the detailed attention it deserves.

When choosing your attorney, look for someone who makes themselves available for consultation and can offer valuable guidance throughout the process. At Curtis Law Firm, we support our clients every step of the way, ensuring they fully understand the proceedings and feel empowered through clear communication. We combine a professional, compassionate approach with our commitment to legal service.

Understanding Legal Fees & DUI Defense Services

Understanding costs is crucial for anyone seeking DUI defense. At Curtis Law Firm, we keep our fees transparent and provide flat rates as well as flexible payment plans. We are committed to making legal representation accessible, so financial concerns never prevent you from getting the help you need.

We also offer unbundled legal services. This lets you choose only the most relevant types of help for your situation. Whether you need comprehensive representation or advice focused on specific parts of your case, you have access to custom legal solutions that fit Denver’s diverse community.

Building a Strong DUI Defense Strategy in Denver

Building a strong defense is essential for anyone facing DUI charges in Denver. Every case includes its own facts, challenges, and legal considerations. Working with a drunk driving lawyer Denver familiar with the local system can help you review evidence and assess every available option. Your attorney will examine every part of the stop and arrest, including law enforcement procedures in Denver.

A solid DUI defense strategy includes looking at whether the police had valid grounds for the stop and checking for mistakes in gathering evidence. Many successful defenses in Denver challenge field sobriety tests, review the maintenance of testing equipment, or examine whether you were clearly informed of your rights at the time of your arrest. Attorneys familiar with Denver courts understand how to align their strategy with the practical expectations of local judges and prosecutors. In certain circumstances, it may be possible to negotiate for reduced charges or use alternative sentencing, such as treatment programs in place of jail time.

• Analyzing police reports for possible procedural mistakes
• Questioning probable cause for the stop or search
• Identifying errors in field sobriety or chemical testing
• Investigating whether medical or health conditions affected test results
• Reviewing video footage from patrol cars or local surveillance

With customized legal strategies, you can pursue a fair outcome based on your circumstances, and take full advantage of options provided by the Denver judicial system. The right attorney will keep you informed about all your choices and support you through every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense in Denver

What Is the Legal Limit for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Colorado?

In Colorado, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers age 21 and older. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. Underage drivers with a BAC of 0.02% or higher face penalties under Colorado's zero-tolerance laws. Staying below these limits helps you avoid both immediate and long-term legal and personal consequences.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Denver?

While you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Denver, refusal carries major consequences. Colorado's implied consent law means that, by driving, you agree to chemical testing if police suspect impairment. Refusing a test may result in automatic license suspension and can be used as evidence in court proceedings. Always weigh these risks carefully before declining a test, and consider consulting an attorney about your choices.

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Denver?

A DUI conviction in Denver leads to serious penalties. You may face significant fines, mandatory community service, or jail time. Further, a DUI can increase your insurance rates and create obstacles when applying for jobs. The long-term stigma of a DUI can affect personal and professional opportunities, making it important to develop a plan to manage these impacts.

How Long Does a DUI Stay On Your Record in Denver?

In Denver, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently, and may have a lasting effect on your employment and housing opportunities. While the points from a DUI citation can impact your driving record for years, the conviction itself remains on your criminal history. Discuss your options with a legal professional to see if record sealing is available for specific circumstances.

What Should I Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Denver?

After a DUI arrest in Denver, act quickly. Contact a legal professional to help you prepare a defense and address immediate issues, including any license suspension hearings. Collect evidence such as witness information and note road or weather conditions. Understanding your rights and the legal steps you need to take increases your chances of achieving a better outcome.