COLORADO DUI PENALTIES & CONSEQUENCES

Contact our Colorado Springs DUI experts for exact details on the DUI penalties you are facing following a DUI arrest. 

The description below outlines the various penalties and consequences associated with DUI offenses in Colorado, including legal punishments, license suspensions, and long-term effects on one’s life.

Legal Penalties for DUI Offenses in Colorado

First-time DUI offenders in Colorado face a range of penalties, including:

1. Fines: A fine ranging from $600 to $1,000.
2. Jail time: A minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 1 year in jail. Courts may sometimes suspend jail time if the offender agrees to complete alcohol education or treatment programs.
3. License suspension: A suspension of the driver’s license for nine months.
4. Public service: A requirement to complete between 48 and 96 hours of community service.
5. Mandatory alcohol education and treatment: Enrollment in a Level II Alcohol Education and Treatment program.

These penalties increase significantly for repeat offenders. For a second DUI conviction, the penalties include a minimum of 10 days to 1 year in jail, fines between $1,500 and $3,000, a one-year license suspension, and up to 120 hours of community service.

For a third or subsequent DUI conviction, the penalties are even more severe, with mandatory jail time of at least 60 days (up to 1 year), fines between $2,000 and $5,000, a two-year license suspension, and up to 120 hours of community service.

License Suspension and Restricted Licenses

In addition to the penalties mentioned above, Colorado imposes license suspensions for DUI offenses. For a first-time offender, the suspension period is nine months. However, after one month of suspension, the offender may apply for an early reinstatement with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicle. The IID must remain installed for at least eight months.

For second and subsequent offenses, the suspension periods increase to one year and two years, respectively. Early reinstatement with an IID is available after serving one year of suspension for a second offense and after two years for a third or subsequent offense.

Long-term Consequences of DUI Convictions

A DUI conviction in Colorado can have significant long-term consequences, affecting various aspects of a person’s life:

1. Employment: A DUI conviction may show up on background checks, making it difficult for the individual to secure employment, especially in fields that require driving or hold employees to high ethical standards.
2. Insurance: A DUI conviction typically leads to increased auto insurance rates, as insurers consider these drivers to be high-risk. This increase can last for several years.
3. Travel: Some countries may deny entry to individuals with a DUI conviction on their record, making international travel more challenging.
4. Professional licenses: Certain professional licenses may be at risk for individuals with a DUI conviction, impacting their ability to practice in their chosen profession.

In summary, DUI penalties and consequences in Colorado are severe and can have far-reaching implications on an individual’s life. It is crucial to be aware of these consequences and make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol and driving.