According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, about one-third of all the traffic deaths that occur in the Centennial State each year involve impaired drivers.
In an attempt to curb this alarming trend, the state has put strict penalties in place for those found guilty in Colorado DUI cases. Colorado has also created even more stringent sentences for repeat DUI offenders.
If you’re arrested on DUI charges more than once in Denver, Colorado, or another part of the state, it could lead to you facing extensive jail time, heavy fines, and dozens of community service hours. Learn more about the stiff sentences reserved for repeat offenders in Colorado DUI cases below.
How Repeat Offenders Are Sentenced in Colorado DUI Cases
Colorado lawmakers put together the Persistent Drunk Driver Act of 1998 to deter those who have faced Colorado DUI cases from becoming repeat offenders. As part of this push, the Persistent Drunk Driving Committee was formed. It developed the No DUI Website to make it simple for Coloradans to see the stringent sentences that await those found guilty of DUI on multiple occasions.
First-time DUI offenders in the state can face up to one year in jail, fines as high as $1,000, and 48 to 96 hours of community service. Second-time and third-time DUI offenders, meanwhile, can face up to one year in jail, fines as high as $1,500, and 48 to 120 hours of community service.
But it’s ultimately four-time DUI offenders who face the harshest penalties of all. DUIs are typically misdemeanor crimes in Denver, Colorado, and other cities throughout the state. But they become class 4 felony crimes after people are convicted of DUI three times.
Here are the penalties a four-time DUI offender can face:
- Up to six years in prison
- Fines as high as $500,000
- Up to 120 hours of community service
Following Colorado DUI cases, convicted offenders might also be forced to pay an assortment of other fees. They may, for example, have to pay $200 for an alcohol treatment evaluation and anywhere from $100 to $500 to cover a Persistent Drunk Driving Surcharge.
What To Do If You’re Arrested for DUI in Colorado
The legal system in Colorado has no tolerance for those who break the state’s DUI laws. It comes down especially hard on those who have injured or even killed others in drunk driving-related accidents, and it doesn’t look favorably upon DUI repeat offenders.
If you’re ever arrested for DUI in Colorado, hire an experienced DUI lawyer. Consider looking at a DUI charge as a wake-up call, too, and secure the professional help you need to avoid future DUI charges.
Were You Arrested on DUI Charges in Denver, Colorado? Call Us for Help
Churchill Criminal Defense can provide the legal assistance people need during Colorado DUI cases in Denver, Colorado. Whether you’re facing your first DUI charge or a repeat offender, we can ensure you follow all DUI court rules throughout your legal proceedings. Contact us at (303) 832-0970 to schedule a consultation.
