During last years holiday party season, a massive DUI crackdown in Colorado resulted in the arrests of hundreds of drivers. Between December 4 and December 14, Colorado State Patrol officers report making 596 arrests.

Along with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the CSP indicated that 65 local law enforcement agencies across the state participated in this special enforcement period, as well as the New Year’s Eve period which lasts from December 30 to January 5.

During the New Year’s Eve period crackdown, an additional 391 arrests were made. Both special enforcement periods are part of the CDOT’s The Heat Is On anti-DUI program.

Each year in Colorado, more than 26,000 individuals are arrested for driving under the influence. 

What to Do If You Are Stopped for Suspicion of DUI

It is important to understand that Colorado authorities are always on the watch for drivers who are allegedly impaired and they are standing ready to make an arrest. If you are stopped for suspicion of DUI, it is important to remember your rights. The following tips will help you preserve your rights if you ever find yourself in this situation:

• You have the right to remain silent. Doing so can be the best way to avoid giving police more possible evidence of impairment against you. You are only obligated to tell the officer your full legal name.
• You have the right to refuse field sobriety testing. Exercising this right is another important way to avoid offering potential evidence of impairment. However, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended if you refuse BAC testing.
• If you are arrested for DUI, it is imperative that you contact a DUI attorney to protect your rights and effectively defend you against the various kinds of DUI charges in Colorado.

Further Reading: Theft Charges Explained | Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney

Consequences of a DUI Arrest and Conviction

Judges are now dispensing stricter fines and penalties for DUI convictions. The potential penalties will depend on whether or not an individual has previously been convicted of driving under the influence. On their first conviction, violators could face monetary fines, possible jail time, community service, license suspension, and/or compulsory attendance at alcohol and drug education courses.

These, however, are only the legal implications. A clean driving and criminal record are required by many employers. Having a DUI conviction show up on a background check could spell trouble for a job hunt.

Those convicted of a DUI will have difficulties finding affordable auto insurance- if they can get coverage at all. Additionally, voting rights and second amendment rights can all be affected by a felony DUI conviction.

Boulder DUI Defense Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with DUI in Boulder, Denver, or anywhere in the State of Colorado, it is important to know that there are ways you can fight these charges. Contact the Boulder DUI defense lawyers at Steven Louth Law Offices today for a free consultation and review of your case. Call us at (303) 422-2297 to start building a solid defense against these serious criminal charges.