What Distinguishes a DUI-D from Other DUI Charges?

What is DUI charge?

A DUI charge stands for driving under the influence. Specific DUI or DWI charges are emphasized depending on what state you reside in. In Colorado, the typical terminology used is a DUI, which is an alcohol-related driving offense law in the state. You are considered “under the influence” if a blood or breath alcohol content sits at 0.080 or more significant in the state of Colorado. It is important to note that even if your breath or blood results come back lower than 0.080, you can still be charged with a DUI at this time. Each case and situation is different.

What Happens If I Get a DUI Charge in Colorado?

If you get a DUI charge and are arrested in Colorado, knowing what this means for your driving privileges and other financial factors moving forward is essential. Going to court can be a nerve-wracking experience, and not knowing if you’ll end up in jail can be pretty terrifying. There are 2 paths that most DUIs in Colorado take. These are the administrative process through the Department of Motor Vehicles and the court process through the judicial system. Both paths are entirely separate from one another and may contain different expectations. You should be prepared to possibly have an alcohol and drug treatment education requirement from either.

What Are the Two Pathways Like?

Starting with the administrative process through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Colorado, your driving privileges will be examined and determined by the Legislature and administered by the Colorado DMV. You can request a hearing with the DMV hearing officer and arresting officer before restrictions go into effect. You have 7 days after the arrest to submit a request and can view the submission form on the myDMV website.

The other pathway is the judicial system. This is when your DUI case will be sent to the local district attorney’s office, which will prosecute the case. You will receive a summons and must appear in court and enter a guilty or not guilty plea. It is important to note that the courts have a separate process from the Administrative process and a different timeline altogether. If you are found guilty, the courts may impose fines, jail time, treatment, or other alternatives.

More information on DUI charges and the process afterward can be found through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles.

What is a DUI-D in the State of Colorado?

A DUI-D is a terminology used to explain an arrest that is made when someone is driving under the influence of drugs. In terms of proof, an individual must submit to a blood test if there is suspicion of a DUI-D. Most classifications of drugs wouldn’t pop up on a breathalyzer, so a blood test would be needed to prove if the individual was driving while under the influence of drugs. Controlled substances only reveal themselves through blood panels.

So What Distinguishes a DUI-D from Other DUI Charges?

In terms of other DUI charges in the state of Colorado, one of the only main differences in a DUI-D is how proof gets obtained. As explained above, a blood test must be submitted instead of or with a breathalyzer so that any controlled substances can be observed and recorded. Besides the method of proof, punishment can also differ from DUIs to DUI-Ds in the state of Colorado.

It is important to note that if you are convicted of a DUI-D charge in Colorado and plead guilty, this information will permanently be retained on your record. In addition to a first-time DUI-D, you can face up to a year in jail or driver’s license revocation, community service hours, monitored sobriety and educational treatment, fines, and therapy. If you continue to get convicted of the same charge, everything will increase: the fines, the therapy, education, jail time, and more monitoring.

What Should You Do If You Receive A DUI-D or Other DUI Charges?

The first thing you should do is take a deep breath. Working under the influence of stress will only limit your potential and reception of getting help. We want to help you figure this out together. Time is essential, so hiring an experienced drug defense attorney as soon as possible is critical. We offer free consultations here at Liberty Law Center to help you quickly find a compassionate match and a legal team ready to help you get back to the life you deserve.

Let Us Help You Make the Right Decisions

We understand how daunting and nerve-wracking receiving a DUI-D charge can be. This goes for any DUI charge- as we understand, none of them are pleasant. Here at Liberty Law Center, we want to help you make the right decisions for the future of your life. The past is behind us, but we strive to help make the future a better situation for you and your family. With our flat fee structure, you can avoid staring at the clock and be present as we work to solve your situation. Working with an experienced drug offense attorney can help you get back to the life you deserve to be living. To learn more about DUI-D charges, what to do if you receive one, and how to set up a free consultation, contact an experienced drug offense attorney at Liberty Law Center today by calling 719-602-7381.