DUI Car Crash Leads To Narcotics And Illegal Firearm Arrest in Colorado Springs

The morning of May 11, 2025, a violent crash at the intersection of Murray Boulevard and Platte Avenue in Colorado Springs that caught the attention of local law enforcement and reawakened concern over drunk driving in El Paso County. According to KKTV 11 News, 29-year-old Angelo Espinoza ran a red light in a stolen Hyundai and crashed into a vehicle that had the right of way. Police stated that Espinoza was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, possessed a handgun, and had multiple outstanding felony warrants.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the valuable work that Colorado Springs DUI attorneys perform to both represent the accused and ensure public safety. Chronic offenders and drivers under the influence of drugs are a growing concern, particularly in fast-growing cities like Colorado Springs. In fact, a 2023 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that drugged driving remains one of the leading sources of motor vehicle fatalities nationwide, with poly-substance abuse cases on the rise.

Unlike lesser traffic offenses, DUI charges, especially those coupled with weapons charges or open warrants, carry enduring consequences. They can lead to felony convictions, mandatory sentencing, the loss of constitutional rights, and permanent damage to one’s criminal record. Due to these circumstances, individuals charged with driving under the influence must be represented by experienced DUI defense lawyers in Colorado Springs who understand how to fight flawed testing procedures, unlawful searches, and overzealous prosecutions.

As our city continues to expand, traffic enforcement and criminal prosecution remain aggressive. Therefore, anyone charged with drunk driving or a related offense needs to act quickly. Legal representation is not just a good idea, it is required to protect your rights and safeguard your future.

Understanding DUI and DUID Charges in Colorado

Every DUI arrest in Colorado Springs triggers complex legal consequences, especially when additional charges like weapon possession or felony warrants are involved. To protect your rights and future, it is essential to understand the legal framework behind impaired driving offenses. Knowledge of these laws allows Colorado Springs DUI attorneys to develop strong, tailored defense strategies.

DUI vs. DUID What the Law Says in Colorado

Colorado law distinguishes between alcohol-related DUI and drug-based DUID, each carrying serious penalties.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1301, a person is guilty of DUI if they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Law enforcement officers often rely on field sobriety tests and breath or blood samples to determine intoxication. However, these methods can produce inaccurate results, and our defense strategies frequently focus on challenging the reliability of these tests.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)

DUID involves operating a vehicle while under the influence of controlled substances, including marijuana, prescription drugs, or illegal narcotics. Colorado enforces a 5 nanogram per milliliter limit for THC, but that threshold is often contested due to variability in individual tolerance. As confirmed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug impairment is more difficult to measure than alcohol intoxication, leaving significant room for legal challenges.

Legal Penalties for DUI and DUID in Colorado Springs

The consequences of a DUI or DUID conviction extend well beyond a fine or short-term suspension.

First-Time and Repeat Offenses

A first DUI offense in Colorado can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, mandatory alcohol education, and a nine-month license revocation. Repeat offenses lead to felony charges, longer imprisonment, and ignition interlock device requirements. As outlined by the Colorado Department of Revenue, administrative penalties often occur even before a criminal case concludes.

Aggravating Factors Like Guns, Warrants, and Crashes

In cases like the May 2025 crash in Colorado Springs, additional charges such as possession of a firearm while intoxicated, fleeing the scene, or driving a stolen vehicle substantially increase exposure. These factors may elevate the DUI to a felony, invoke mandatory minimums, and reduce eligibility for diversion programs. Legal defenses must address not only the substance charge but also the surrounding conduct.

How Colorado Springs DUI Attorneys Defend Against Impaired Driving Allegations

DUI and DUID cases require a multifaceted approach, grounded in both statutory analysis and forensic examination.

Challenging the Traffic Stop and Arrest

Experienced DUI lawyers examine whether law enforcement had lawful reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop and probable cause for the arrest. If not, evidence such as blood test results or confessions may be excluded. The U.S. Supreme Court has emphasized the limits of police authority in stops involving impaired driving, as seen in Rodriguez v. United States, 575 U.S. 348 (2015), underscoring the importance of a constitutional defense.

Contesting Blood and Breath Test Accuracy

Laboratory errors, improper calibration, and operator mistakes frequently occur in DUI testing. Our team often consults independent toxicology experts to verify the chain of custody and ensure compliance with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment standards.

The Broader Implications of the May 2025 DUI Crash in Colorado Springs

The May 11, 2025 DUI crash at the intersection of Platte Avenue and Murray Boulevard is not just another traffic incident. Instead, it represents a disturbing pattern of increasingly severe impaired driving cases within El Paso County. The driver, 29-year-old Angelo Espinoza, was charged with DUI, DUID, possession of a stolen vehicle, illegal firearm possession, and had outstanding felony warrants. Each of these charges presents its own legal challenges, but collectively, they reflect the modern complexity of DUI cases.

This high-profile incident underscores a critical truth individuals charged with DUI in Colorado Springs today face not only aggressive prosecution but also a public increasingly intolerant of perceived lawlessness. Consequently, those accused need strategic legal representation by Colorado Springs DUI attorneys who are equipped to manage high-risk, high-penalty cases.

Complex DUI Cases Are Becoming More Common in Colorado

As DUI cases evolve, they increasingly involve multiple offenses stemming from a single traffic stop or collision. These cases are no longer confined to alcohol impairment alone. Instead, courts now see a rise in drug-related charges, weapons violations, and habitual offender enhancements, all stacked onto one defendant.

This reality significantly raises the stakes. A simple misdemeanor DUI can quickly escalate to a felony indictment, placing the accused at risk of mandatory prison terms and long-term consequences. Legal counsel must address each component of the case while maintaining a unified defense strategy. Without swift and informed intervention, defendants can lose leverage during pre-trial negotiations and face years of incarceration.

National and Local Trends in DUI and DUID Arrests

Over the past decade, DUI enforcement has expanded beyond alcohol-related offenses. The emergence of legalized marijuana, prescription drug misuse, and opioids has led to a new category of criminal charges DUID. The National Safety Council has reported that over 44% of impaired driving arrests now involve drugs rather than, or in addition to, alcohol.

Here in Colorado Springs, law enforcement agencies have adopted aggressive policies targeting drug-impaired drivers. Task forces now conduct roadside evaluations and blood draws with increasing frequency. Yet, the science behind drug impairment testing remains unreliable. Unlike alcohol, there is no universally accepted threshold for impairment by THC or prescription medications, leaving room for defense attorneys to challenge test results and officer conclusions.

This legal uncertainty presents an opportunity for seasoned DUI lawyers in Colorado Springs to question the validity of evidence and protect their clients’ rights.

Intersections Like Platte and Murray Pose Higher Risks

High-volume intersections such as Platte Avenue and Murray Boulevard are well-known to local law enforcement as traffic hot zones. These crossroads serve as major conduits for residential and commercial traffic. They combine multiple lanes, variable speed limits, and limited sightlines, creating perfect conditions for collisions, especially when impairment is involved.

According to crash data from the Colorado Department of Transportation, intersections like these experience significantly higher rates of serious injury and fatal crashes compared to other parts of the city. Poor visibility, heavy congestion, and high-speed crossings elevate the danger level. When a driver under the influence enters such a zone, especially at speed or while fleeing from law enforcement, the potential for catastrophe is amplified.

Understanding the nature of the crash site allows DUI defense attorneys in Colorado Springs to reconstruct events, question law enforcement procedures, and gather evidence to support alternate theories of causation or diminished culpability.

Why This Case Demands a Sophisticated Legal Response

While DUI charges are serious on their own, cases like this one where numerous felony-level charges arise from a single event, demand a multi-layered and highly strategic legal response. This is not a case for cookie-cutter defense tactics. It requires deep knowledge of criminal procedure, evidentiary challenges, and sentencing mitigation.

The intersection of DUI law with weapons possession, auto theft, and outstanding warrants significantly limits plea bargain flexibility. Prosecutors are more likely to seek maximum penalties in such cases, especially when media attention is involved. Therefore, defense counsel must adopt an aggressive stance from the start, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and using constitutional protections to suppress tainted evidence.

Multiple Felony Charges Require Layered Defense

Felony DUI, by itself, carries up to six years in prison under Colorado law. When paired with charges like felon in possession of a firearm, drug possession, or vehicle theft, sentencing can quickly rise to double digits. Furthermore, if the defendant has prior convictions, habitual offender status could result in enhanced penalties, including a minimum mandatory sentence under Colorado’s three strikes rules.

A layered defense evaluates each charge individually and collectively. Skilled attorneys assess whether law enforcement overreached during the arrest, whether probable cause existed for the search, and whether forensic evidence was handled properly. In some cases, attorneys may also explore mental health, substance abuse, or constitutional rights violations as part of a broader mitigation strategy.

Colorado Springs courts take DUI and weapons charges seriously. Only attorneys with extensive trial experience, technical knowledge, and procedural precision can properly defend clients in high-stakes cases like this.

The Importance of Constitutional Scrutiny

Every charge stemming from the May 2025 crash must be evaluated for constitutional violations. If Espinoza’s vehicle was stopped without proper cause, or if officers conducted a search without a warrant or valid exception, any evidence obtained including the firearm, drug test results, or incriminating statements may be subject to exclusion.

The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the critical nature of Fourth Amendment protections in traffic stops and vehicle searches. In Rodriguez v. United States, the Court ruled that prolonged traffic stops without independent justification violate the Constitution. In DUI defense cases, timing matters. Officers must act quickly, lawfully, and within the limits of their authority.

Colorado Springs DUI attorneys often challenge traffic stops, detentions, and warrantless searches by filing suppression motions during pre-trial hearings. If successful, these motions can weaken the prosecution’s case significantly, sometimes leading to full dismissal of charges.

What To Do If You’re Charged with DUI in Colorado Springs

Being charged with driving under the influence in Colorado Springs can trigger a fast-moving legal process that puts your freedom, finances, and future at risk. From the moment of arrest, your statements and actions can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. For this reason, individuals facing DUI charges should act quickly and strategically, guided by qualified legal counsel.

Engaging experienced Colorado Springs DUI attorneys early in the process allows you to secure critical evidence, challenge procedural violations, and build a proactive defense. Delays can result in missed opportunities, especially when dealing with administrative license actions or mandatory court deadlines.

Protect Your Rights at the Scene

At the time of arrest, you are under legal scrutiny. Every word you say and every action you take may become part of the prosecutor’s case. Remaining silent and asserting your right to legal counsel is not only lawful, it is recommended.

Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment guarantees your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about where you were, what you consumed, or how much you had to drink. Politely state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering questions. This protection extends from the roadside to the booking room.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) outlines how to assert your rights during police encounters. Missteps at this stage can limit your legal defense later.

Refuse Field Sobriety Tests, But Comply with Chemical Testing

In Colorado, you may lawfully refuse voluntary field sobriety tests without immediate penalty. However, under the state’s express consent law, refusing a breath or blood test after arrest will result in an automatic license revocation of at least one year. This administrative action is separate from criminal prosecution.

Colorado Springs DUI lawyers frequently challenge the validity of these tests, but refusal can complicate your case. Strategic legal advice is essential before making any decision that affects your driving privileges.

Retain Legal Counsel Without Delay

Once charged, the criminal and administrative processes begin quickly. The DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension must be requested within seven days of your arrest. Missing this deadline can result in a full loss of driving privileges, even before your case reaches court.

Why Timing Matters in DUI Defense

Preserving evidence is crucial. Surveillance footage, dash cam recordings, witness contact information, and breathalyzer calibration records are all time-sensitive. By hiring a DUI attorney immediately, you increase the chances of collecting this evidence before it is lost or overwritten.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers recommends retaining representation as soon as possible to ensure that legal motions, discovery requests, and negotiations begin while your case is still forming. Early intervention often leads to stronger outcomes.

Understand the Legal Process Ahead

DUI cases in Colorado typically follow a two-track process, administrative and criminal. Each has its own rules, deadlines, and procedures.

Administrative Hearings with the Colorado DMV

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles initiates an administrative license suspension following most DUI arrests. This process is independent of the court system. During the hearing, the DMV evaluates whether law enforcement had legal grounds to stop, arrest, and test you. The DMV does not determine guilt or innocence, but its decisions can affect your ability to drive and your insurance premiums.

Legal representation at this stage increases your chance of retaining limited driving privileges or having the suspension overturned.

Criminal Proceedings in El Paso County Court

In criminal court, the District Attorney will pursue charges ranging from misdemeanor DUI to felony offenses depending on aggravating factors. You may be arraigned, required to post bail, and ordered to appear at pre-trial conferences. Each stage allows for legal maneuvering, such as filing motions to suppress evidence, negotiating plea terms, or demanding a jury trial.

DUI defense attorneys in Colorado Springs prepare aggressively for every hearing, motion, and possible trial. The sooner your legal team begins building your defense, the stronger your position becomes.

DUI Accidents with Additional Charges

DUI arrests involving additional charges, such as stolen vehicle possession, firearm violations, or outstanding felony warrants, present far more severe legal consequences than standard drunk driving cases. In situations like the May 2025 Colorado Springs crash, these layered allegations expose defendants to years, or even decades, of incarceration under Colorado’s felony sentencing guidelines.

For those facing multiple charges, it is critical to retain Colorado Springs DUI attorneys who understand how to deconstruct the prosecution’s case. Strategic defense begins with identifying procedural errors and constitutional violations across each individual charge while constructing a broader narrative that humanizes the defendant and mitigates sentencing exposure.

Firearm Possession and DUI

Being arrested with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just a complicating factor, it’s a separate criminal offense. Colorado law prohibits firearm possession by individuals who are intoxicated, and doing so can result in additional felony charges under C.R.S. § 18-12-106.

How Firearm Charges Elevate Risk

The combination of DUI and illegal weapon possession often triggers heightened prosecution. Prosecutors may argue that the defendant posed a greater danger to the public, increasing pressure for harsher penalties. This perception can influence plea negotiations and sentencing outcomes. Courts have limited flexibility in cases where intoxication and weapon possession coincide.

Even individuals with a legal permit to carry may face suspension or revocation if found under the influence. A conviction can lead to the permanent loss of Second Amendment rights. For this reason, experienced DUI defense lawyers in Colorado Springs work to challenge the legality of the search and the evidentiary chain regarding the weapon’s discovery.

Felony Warrants and Habitual Offender Enhancements

When an individual arrested for DUI also has one or more active felony warrants, the case can quickly evolve into a complex, multi-jurisdictional prosecution. These warrants may involve unrelated charges but will influence judicial discretion, bond determinations, and sentencing severity.

Habitual Offender Status and Sentencing Impact

Colorado’s habitual criminal statute under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-801 allows courts to enhance sentences substantially when a defendant has prior felony convictions. Three qualifying convictions may result in mandatory minimum sentences of 24 years, even if the DUI in question would otherwise be classified as a misdemeanor.

The presence of past criminal history or outstanding warrants removes many of the options typically available to first-time offenders, including diversion, deferred judgment, or probation-only resolutions. An aggressive defense is needed not only to address the DUI itself, but to prevent the felony enhancements from dominating the case outcome.

Vehicle Theft and DUI Charges

Driving under the influence in a stolen vehicle magnifies the seriousness of the charges exponentially. Theft of a motor vehicle is a Class 5 or Class 4 felony in Colorado, depending on the circumstances and value of the vehicle. When paired with a DUI, the case becomes significantly harder to negotiate, and the legal strategy must address both crimes in tandem.

Why Prosecutors Take a Hardline Approach

Prosecutors and judges view these cases as high-risk public safety threats. The narrative of a defendant operating a stolen vehicle while impaired suggests recklessness and criminal intent. This perception often results in pressure for maximum sentencing.

However, many defendants are not the original thieves. In some cases, a borrowed or unreturned vehicle may be reported stolen by the legal owner, creating ambiguity. Skilled defense attorneys investigate these ownership claims, review reporting timelines, and examine whether the defendant had lawful access or misunderstood their legal rights to operate the vehicle.

Strategic Defense in Multi-Charge DUI Cases

In cases where DUI, drug impairment, weapons violations, and property crimes converge, it is essential to adopt a coordinated defense strategy. Each charge must be individually challenged, while the overall narrative must reduce perceived criminal intent and increase sympathy from the court. This requires legal sophistication, forensic analysis, and a deep understanding of Colorado criminal procedure.

Experienced DUI attorneys in Colorado Springs routinely file motions to sever charges, suppress evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches, and negotiate structured plea agreements that isolate and minimize the most serious allegations. Without this strategic advocacy, defendants risk conviction on all fronts, and lengthy imprisonment.

Seeking Justice and Preserving Your Future

After a DUI arrest, particularly one involving additional felony charges the path forward can seem uncertain. However, every defendant is entitled to a fair trial, legal representation, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. These constitutional principles are the cornerstone of any defense strategy and provide a foundation for protecting your freedom.

At Liberty Law, we believe in second chances. We’ve seen firsthand how early legal intervention can reshape outcomes, reduce penalties, and restore dignity. With the right strategy, even the most complex DUI cases can be successfully contested, mitigated, or resolved. Our Colorado Springs DUI attorneys fight for those outcomes every day.

Rehabilitation Over Retribution Treatment-Based Sentencing

Colorado’s criminal justice system is increasingly shifting toward rehabilitative justice especially for non-violent offenders with underlying substance use issues. In many DUI cases, particularly first or second offenses, courts may consider alternatives to incarceration if the defendant demonstrates a willingness to address the root causes of their behavior.

Court-Approved Treatment and Diversion Programs

Colorado Springs offers several court-approved programs focused on alcohol education, drug counseling, and behavioral health. These may include outpatient treatment, ignition interlock devices, and monitored sobriety. Participation can lead to sentence reductions or deferred judgments. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), offenders who undergo structured treatment are significantly less likely to reoffend than those who receive punitive-only sentences.

Our legal team regularly negotiates for inclusion in these programs during plea discussions or sentencing hearings. When appropriate, we present evaluations from licensed professionals and detailed recovery plans to support alternatives to jail or prison time.

Long-Term Implications of a DUI Conviction

The consequences of a DUI conviction extend far beyond the courtroom. A guilty plea or verdict can impact your professional licenses, employment, housing, and immigration status. If felony charges are involved, the stakes are even higher, leading to the loss of voting rights, firearm privileges, and access to federal benefits.

Criminal Records and Future Opportunities

Even a misdemeanor DUI will result in a permanent criminal record unless successfully sealed. Many employers conduct background checks and may deny employment based on criminal convictions. In professions requiring certification such as nursing, law enforcement, or teaching, a DUI conviction can jeopardize career advancement or trigger disciplinary action.

To avoid these collateral consequences, our firm explores all available legal remedies, including charge reductions, deferred judgments, and eventual record sealing under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-72-705. We also provide clients with practical guidance on managing post-conviction obligations, such as license reinstatement and probation compliance.

Why Legal Representation Makes the Difference

A DUI arrest does not equal a conviction. However, without experienced legal representation, many defendants unknowingly forfeit their rights or accept unfavorable plea deals. The early stages of a DUI case are critical, what happens in the first week can determine what’s possible months later.

How Liberty Law Protects Your Rights and Future

At Liberty Law, we bring decades of focused experience defending DUI and criminal cases throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, analyze police conduct for constitutional violations, and challenge unreliable test results. We also collaborate with forensic experts, toxicologists, and mental health professionals when needed to present the most compelling defense possible.

We take pride in offering aggressive, ethical, and results-driven representation to every client. Whether you are facing a first-time DUI or a complex set of felony charges, our team is prepared to defend your rights and fight for your future. Learn more about our Criminal Defense Services and how we can help you through this challenging time.

How DUI Evidence Is Collected  

When an individual is charged with driving under the influence in Colorado Springs, law enforcement officers rely on several forms of evidence to build their case. These may include observations from the arresting officer, results from field sobriety tests, chemical analyses (such as breath, blood, or urine tests), and even statements made by the driver during or after the stop. However, not all evidence collected in DUI cases is reliable, or admissible.

Understanding the limitations and legal vulnerabilities of these procedures allows Colorado Springs DUI attorneys to construct powerful defenses. Evidence that seems conclusive to the prosecution may in fact be flawed, unlawfully obtained, or misinterpreted. Our firm routinely identifies and exploits these weaknesses to protect our clients’ rights and challenge the narrative presented by law enforcement.

Officer Observations and Dash Cam Footage

The DUI process often begins with subjective observations erratic driving, slurred speech, glassy eyes, or the smell of alcohol. While these are used to establish probable cause, they are highly interpretive and frequently influenced by bias, stress, or poor training.

Why Subjective Impressions Are Not Enough

Officers are trained to look for signs of impairment, but these signs can be explained by medical conditions, fatigue, or even anxiety during a police stop. What appears to be slurred speech may be a speech disorder. Red eyes may stem from allergies or contact lenses.

Fortunately, many Colorado Springs police vehicles are equipped with dash or body cameras. Our attorneys review this footage carefully. Inconsistencies between the officer’s written report and the video evidence can undermine credibility and lead to suppressed testimony or dismissed charges.

Field Sobriety Tests Flawed and Inadmissible

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) such as the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus are frequently used roadside assessments. However, these tests are highly susceptible to error, both in administration and interpretation.

How We Challenge Roadside Testing

Even under ideal conditions, field sobriety tests are only 68–77% accurate, according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That percentage drops significantly when tests are administered in poor weather, on uneven pavement, or under inadequate lighting conditions common in roadside stops.

Furthermore, these tests are not mandatory in Colorado. Many drivers perform poorly on them due to age, disability, or lack of coordination, not impairment. Our attorneys routinely cross-examine arresting officers about the precise instructions given and whether the tests were conducted according to NHTSA protocol. If deviations occurred, the results may be excluded from evidence.

Chemical Testing Breath, Blood, and Urine

Chemical evidence is often viewed as the most scientifically reliable aspect of a DUI case. In Colorado, drivers are subject to the state’s express consent law, which mandates a chemical test after arrest. However, even blood and breath tests are not infallible.

Uncovering Laboratory Errors and Machine Malfunctions

Breathalyzers must be properly maintained, calibrated, and administered by certified personnel. Similarly, blood samples are subject to strict chain-of-custody procedures. Contamination, improper storage, or delays in testing can all compromise the sample’s integrity. Our firm obtains lab records, instrument calibration logs, and technician credentials to challenge the reliability of the test results.

Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes or acid reflux can produce falsely elevated BAC readings. By presenting medical records and expert witness testimony, DUI defense attorneys in Colorado Springs can introduce reasonable doubt regarding chemical test validity.

Statements Made Under Duress

Defendants often make incriminating statements during or shortly after a DUI stop particularly if they are nervous, confused, or unaware of their rights. However, these statements may be inadmissible if obtained in violation of constitutional protections.

The Importance of Miranda Warnings

If a driver is placed under arrest and questioned without being read their Miranda rights, any statements made thereafter may be suppressed. Courts require that defendants be properly informed of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.

Even pre-arrest statements may be challenged if coercive tactics or deceptive practices were used. A 2021 study from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice emphasized how vulnerable individuals often make false or misleading statements under pressure from law enforcement.

At Liberty Law, we examine every interview, report, and audio file to determine whether statements were obtained legally. If not, we move to suppress them often weakening the prosecution’s case substantially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI, navigating multiple felony charges, or concerned about license suspension, the legal process in Colorado can feel overwhelming. This FAQ section addresses common questions our clients ask about DUI, DUID, and related criminal defense issues in Colorado Springs. Each answer is tailored to help you make informed decisions and understand how experienced Colorado Springs DUI attorneys can protect your rights at every stage.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for DUI and Also Have a Firearm in the Vehicle?

If you’re arrested for DUI and found in possession of a firearm, you may face additional charges under C.R.S. § 18-12-106, which prohibits possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is a serious offense and can lead to a separate misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the circumstances.

The most important step is to remain silent and request legal representation immediately. Do not offer explanations or consent to searches without an attorney present. At Liberty Law, our Colorado Springs DUI attorneys are trained to challenge the admissibility of both DUI evidence and weapons-related charges to protect your rights fully.

Can I Be Charged With Both DUI and DUID in the Same Case?

Yes, it is possible to be charged with both DUI (alcohol) and DUID (drugs) if law enforcement believes you were under the influence of both substances at the time of arrest. These are not mutually exclusive under Colorado law.

This dual charge often results in increased penalties, especially if impairment contributed to an accident, such as the one at Platte Avenue and Murray Boulevard. A strategic defense focuses on challenging the scientific validity of drug testing and establishing whether actual impairment not merely presence of a substance can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Do Prior Felony Convictions Affect a New DUI Case?

Prior felony convictions can significantly elevate the stakes in a DUI case. Colorado’s habitual criminal statute allows for sentence enhancements that can convert what would otherwise be a misdemeanor DUI into a felony-level offense with mandatory prison time.

Judges and prosecutors view defendants with felony records as higher-risk, particularly in cases involving additional charges like vehicle theft or firearm possession. Our attorneys work to separate the new charges from a defendant’s past to minimize exposure and preserve sentencing options.

Is a DUI in a Stolen Vehicle Considered a More Serious Crime?

Yes. Driving under the influence while operating a stolen vehicle compounds the legal severity of the case. In Colorado, unauthorized use of a vehicle is a separate felony under C.R.S. § 18-4-409, and it increases the likelihood of aggressive prosecution.

The district attorney may pursue multiple felony charges, including DUI, theft, and any related public safety enhancements. It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney who can challenge both the theft accusation and the impairment evidence to reduce cumulative penalties.

How Long Do I Have to Request a DMV Hearing After a DUI Arrest in Colorado?

You have seven days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a hearing with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to contest your administrative license suspension. Failure to do so will result in an automatic revocation of your driver’s license, even if your criminal case has not yet gone to court.

We recommend contacting a DUI defense lawyer immediately after your arrest. Our firm handles the DMV hearing process in tandem with the criminal case to give our clients the best chance at preserving driving privileges.

Can I Be Held Without Bond If I Have Outstanding Warrants at the Time of Arrest?

Yes. If you are arrested for DUI and also have active felony warrants, you can be held without bond until those warrants are resolved. Depending on the originating jurisdiction and nature of the warrants, you may face extradition, detainers, or delayed release from local custody.

In cases like these, immediate legal intervention is essential. Liberty Law works quickly to review warrant details, negotiate surrender terms when necessary, and coordinate with courts across jurisdictions to expedite case resolution.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Mandatory in Colorado?

No, field sobriety tests are not legally required in Colorado. You have the right to politely decline roadside tests such as the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, or eye movement tracking (horizontal gaze nystagmus).

However, once you are formally arrested, Colorado’s express consent law requires you to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood). Refusing this post-arrest test can result in a one-year automatic license suspension, regardless of the criminal case outcome.

What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Colorado Springs?

A first-time DUI conviction in Colorado can result in

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines of $600 to $1,000
• 9-month license revocation
• Community service (up to 96 hours)
• Mandatory alcohol education classes
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

These penalties can be enhanced by aggravating factors such as an accident, high BAC, or the presence of a firearm. First-time offenders should speak with a qualified DUI attorney immediately to explore options for charge reduction or deferred sentencing.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future

Being charged with DUI, especially in a case involving drugs, firearms, or felony warrants, can alter the course of your life. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Liberty Law, we’ve spent over three decades defending clients in Colorado Springs against DUI, DUID, and serious criminal charges.

Our experienced legal team acts immediately to challenge flawed evidence, preserve your license, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI or a multi-count felony case, we are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome.

Don’t wait until your court date is around the corner. Contact our team of proven Colorado Springs DUI attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us now at (719) 733-9153 or submit your case online, and let us help you take control of what comes next.