The 41-year-old man who killed a 17-year-old boy in a 2014 drunk driving accident has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
On March 24, 2014, Ever Olivos-Gutierrez ran a red light at the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and South Dayton Street “violently” striking the vehicle of Juan Carlos Dominguez-Palomino.
At the scene of the accident, Olivos-Guiterrez had a blood alcohol content three times that of Colorado’s legal 0.08 limit. The man admitted to officials that he had started drinking at 6 p.m. the previous day, and had also consumed cocaine.
Because of prior offenses, Olivos-Guiterrez was ordered by the court to drive with an ignition interlock device, which was not in place at the time of the accident.
Colorado DUI Penalties
In every state, it is a crime for an individual to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Colorado, as in every other state, has a legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08. Additionally, Colorado institutes a zero tolerance policy for underage drivers of 0.02 BAC and an Enhanced Penalty system for drivers whose BAC is 0.17 or higher.
Colorado DUI penalties include a nine-month, one-year, or two-year minimum license revocation for first, second, and third offenses respectively. Mandatory alcohol education assessment and treatment are required upon a DUI conviction. Additionally, the installation of an ignition interlock device is mandatory for an individual’s second offense.
Further Reading: How Safe is Colorad0?
Ramifications of a DUI Conviction
Colorado DUI penalties can be severe, and Judges are now compelled to dispense stricter fines and penalties for drunk driving 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/or criminal record are required by many employers. Having a DUI conviction show up on a background check could cause trouble securing a job.
Those convicted of a DUI will have trouble 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.
Factors that could enhance your sentence include:
· Having a minor in the vehicle with you while under the influence
· Prior DUI convictions
· Having an excessively high blood alcohol content, and
· Causing an accident with injuries or fatalities.
Additionally, many states have “Zero Tolerance” policies to punish minors with alcohol in their systems.
Contact Our Boulder DUI Lawyers
If you have been arrested for DUI, it is important to understand the severity of your charges and the consequences you may face. Contact the Boulder criminal 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.