There are numerous reasons why you may have been pulled over and arrested for drunk driving. Police officers often look closely for cars driving erratically, too slow, or who are driving late at night. If you were swerving out of your lane or braking erratically, you may have caught the officer’s attention. Many drunk drivers are pulled over simply because they were driving too slowly or stopped at a green light for far too long. Driving mistakes will often trigger suspicion especially during a weekend, late at night, or on a holiday. When a police officer has probable cause to pull you over, they can decide to perform a DUI test.
What if My Driving Was Perfect?
The problem could lie in the fact that you may have been pulled over for a relatively minor reason, yet when the officer came to your window and observed your behavior he could have seen signs of apparent intoxication. These signs could potentially include slurred speech, glassy or bloodshot eyes, an obvious odor of alcohol, difficulty in interpreting or comprehending instructions given by the officer, disorientation or even belligerence and combativeness.
What if I Was Just Tired?
Interestingly, drivers who are simply overly tired are generally distinguished from impaired drivers because drowsy drivers who fall asleep swerve in one direction. Drunk drivers, on the other hand will more likely be seen swerving right, then left, then right, then left. Excessive speed also tends not to be a hallmark of the impaired driver, as most people who are even remotely aware they have had too much to drink drive at slower than normal speeds.
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Colorado’s DUI Laws
In the state of Colorado, anyone who is caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% of higher will be arrested and charged with a DUI. If this is your first offense, your license will be revoked for 9 months. In addition, you may face fines up to $1000, as well as up to 1 year in jail. In many cases, you may be required to serve up to 96 hours of community service, as well as alcohol education.
Contact Our 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, call our office immediately. We can help you protect your driving record and may even be able to have your DUI charges dismissed. 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.