DUI POINTS IN COLORADO
Colorado Driver License Point System
Colorado’s point system is designed to help ensure the safety of all drivers on its roads. When someone commits a traffic offense, they are assessed points that are used to track their driving record. If an individual accumulates too many points, they may face serious consequences such as license suspension or revocation. It is important to understand how this system works in order to avoid negative consequences and keep your license in good standing.
Frequently asked questions regarding how a DUI charge will affect your license and driving record in Colorado include:
How Many Points Will A Colorado DUI Add To My License?
A DUI in Colorado carries a mandatory 8 points on your license. These points will remain on your driving record for up to 7 years. The consequences of having these many points added to your license can be serious, such as suspension or revocation of your license and even harsher penalties such as jail time. It is important to understand the severity of a DUI and its potential consequences before getting behind the wheel after drinking.
How Many Points Will A Felony Colorado DUI Add To My License?
A felony DUI in Colorado carries a mandatory 12 points on your license. These points will remain on your driving record for up to 10 years. Felony DUIs can result in much harsher punishments than ordinary DUIs, including long-term imprisonment, hefty fines and other serious penalties.
Additionally, having 12 points added to your license can lead to suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. It is critical that you understand the repercussions of a felony DUI before making any reckless decisions when operating a motor vehicle.
How Long Do DUI Points Stay On Your License In Colorado?
In Colorado, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years from the date of the offense. This means that the DUI points will remain on your license for that period of time.
It’s important to note that a DUI conviction can have significant consequences beyond just the points on your driving record. You may face fines, jail time, community service, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Additionally, a DUI conviction can have long-term impacts on your employment, education, and personal life.
If you are facing a DUI charge, it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney who can help you understand your options and develop a strong defense strategy.
Temporary License After DUI
In Colorado, if you have been charged with DUI, your driver’s license may be revoked or suspended immediately upon arrest. However, you may be eligible to receive a temporary driver’s license if you meet certain requirements.
To be eligible for a temporary driver’s license, you must request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue within seven days of your DUI arrest. At the hearing, you must show proof of insurance, pay a fee, and demonstrate that you have completed an alcohol evaluation and any necessary treatment programs. If you meet these requirements, you may be granted a temporary driver’s license that will allow you to drive for a limited period of time while your DUI case is pending.
It’s important to note that a temporary driver’s license does not guarantee that you will be able to drive throughout your case, and it may be revoked or suspended if you are found guilty of DUI. Additionally, it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney who can help you understand your rights and options if you have been charged with DUI.
Check Driving Points On Your License In Colorado
In order to check the points on your license, you can visit the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website or contact their customer service hotline.
You will need to provide your driver’s license number and other personal information in order to access this information. Once you have entered this information, the system will display the number of points currently on your record as well as any recent violations that may have been assessed.
How An Expert DUI Lawyer Can Help You
Analyzing the evidence: A DUI lawyer will carefully review the evidence against you, including police reports, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, and witness statements. They may identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the evidence that can be used to challenge the charges against you.
Developing a defense strategy: Based on their analysis of the evidence, a DUI lawyer will develop a defense strategy that is tailored to your specific case. This may include arguing that the police did not have probable cause to pull you over, that the BAC test was inaccurate, or that your rights were violated in some other way.
Negotiating with prosecutors: In some cases, a DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed. For example, they may be able to convince the prosecutor to offer a plea bargain that involves a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, which carries less severe penalties.
Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, a DUI lawyer will represent you in court and present your defense to a judge or jury. They will argue on your behalf and challenge the prosecution’s case against you.
Helping you keep your license: A DUI lawyer can also help you keep your driver’s license by representing you in administrative hearings with the Colorado Department of Revenue. They may be able to convince the department to allow you to keep your license or obtain a restricted license that allows you to drive to work or school.
Overall, having a skilled Colorado DUI lawyer on your side can significantly increase your chances of avoiding a DUI conviction and keeping your license. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has experience handling DUI cases and who understands the complexities of Colorado’s DUI laws.