Drinking and driving is an extremely dangerous activity, and everyone knows of the problems that it causes. Unfortunately, many people still do it, and perhaps more unfortunately, some police officers, while investigating DUI, fail to follow the laws that are in place to protect our citizens.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) are some of the most common criminal charges filed in Colorado. Whether you have made a terrible mistake, or have been accused of something that you didn’t do, if you have been charged with DUI or DWAI, you need to contact an aggressive criminal defense attorney who has experience working with the complex intricacies of DUI and DWAI cases.
One of the most complicated aspects of DUI and DWAI is the fact that, in addition to criminal charges, you also face administrative sanctions involving your driver’s license. DUI and DWAI carry very severe consequences; you can spend up to a year in jail, you will probably pay heavy fines, and there is a good chance that your driver’s license will be revoked, possibly for as long as two years. Still, this is only the beginning. The real cost of a DUI is much higher. Learn about the consequences of a DUI in Colorado below.
Fines and Financial Penalties
There are numerous fees and fines that accompany DUI convictions, aside from the fine that the court assesses. Some of these fees are small, but they add up. Others are large penalties on their own. Bail fees after the arrest, court costs, mandatory contributions to victim’s funds and police funds for people injured in drunk-driving accidents, restitution costs, alcohol treatment classes, probation supervision and more.
Your Job may be in Jeopardy
It is easy to see that your job is in jeopardy if you are a cab driver, or a commercial trucker and you lose your driver’s license. However, there are also many other people whose job depends on their ability to drive, even if that isn’t the whole job. Many types of contractors need to be able to get from job site to job site independently, and would be unable to do so without a driver’s license. The reality is that many jobs would be impossible to do without a driver’s license, even if they are not “driving jobs.” For someone in one of these jobs, not only would losing their driver’s license cause them to lose their job, but it would make it impossible to find another job in their field, at least until they get their license back.
Beyond that, some employers will not allow you to continue working for them after a DUI or DWAI conviction for reasons other than driving ability. Many employers are reticent to hire people with criminal convictions in their past. While it may not be a direct consequence, an experienced DUI lawyer may actually be saving your livelihood.
Protect Your Rights
The financial costs of a DUI conviction are high, but the non-economic effect that a DUI conviction has on the rest of your life can be even more devastating. Whether you made a terrible mistake, or have been charged with something that you didn’t do, you need skilled legal representation to stand beside you and protect your rights and interests.
Contact Steven Louth Today
Boulder DUI defense lawyer Steven Louth
is a former Deputy District Attorney for Boulder County. His law practice is exclusively focused on criminal defense. Mr. Louth is an experienced lawyer who truly believes that people charged with crimes in Colorado deserve a legitimate defense. If you are facing DUI charges, you probably have questions. Contact our law firm for a free consultation and learn what your options are. Call (303) 442-2297, or fill out the contact form on this page and get help today.