In Colorado, you may be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Impaired (DWAI).
Colorado Drunk Driving Law consists of two parts: the Criminal Case with possible jail time, alcohol classes, community service, fines and costs, and the Civil Drivers License Case with the possible revocation of driving privileges. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you must go to the Department of Motor vehicles within seven (7) days to request a hearing, or your license will automatically be suspended for 90 days.
IF YOU ARE CONVICTED OF A FIRST OFFENSE
Fine:
You will be fined anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
Real Costs:
The State of Colorado has estimated the real costs to you, including fines, fees, insurance increases, mandated alcohol classes, and estimated attorney fees, to be at least $8866.00.
Jail:
You could be sentenced to jail from five days to one year. 10 days is common.
License Suspension:
Your license will be suspended for one year.
Community service:
You will be required to perform 48 to 96 hours of community service work.
Alcohol Education Classes:
You may have to attend alcohol education classes and therapy, based on your BAC and subsequent alcohol evaluation. Average cost: around $525.00. Education is 24 hours over 12 weeks; alcohol therapy can last 21 weeks to 13 months.
Insurance:
Assuming your insurance company doesn't drop you immediately, your insurance costs will increase at least 30%. Buying insurance through a "high-risk" agency will cost substantially more.
First-time offenders are often given a deal, such as a suspended sentence conditioned on treatment for substance abuse or attendance at drunk-driving school.
BAC .20 or higher:
Conviction if blood alcohol is .20 or greater leads to fines of $500 - $1500, jail time of 90 days- 1 year (10 days mandatory), one year license suspension, and public service of 60 - 120 hours (60 hours are mandatory).
Under 21:
If your BAC is .02 or higher, you lose your license for one year, and are subject to criminal penalties similar to adults.
Commercial Driver:
If your BAC is .04 or higher, you lose your license for one year, as well as being subject to criminal penalties
