When you find yourself facing DUI or DUID charges, there is certain information you simply need to know, including specific details regarding the process itself as well as potential penalties. Learn more about Colorado DUI and DUID law so that you can make informed decisions regarding your legal defense.

1. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW IF I AM
CHARGED WITH DUI OR DUID IN COLORADO?
Presented By
MARCH 2015
© 2015 Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Design and editorial services by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters."
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2. At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., we understand how difficult it can
be to make informed legal decisions regarding DUI and DUID charges
without knowing the facts.
That’s why we are committed to providing useful information to our clients
and the public at large.
So, let’s learn more about alcohol and drug-related driving offenses
in Colorado.

3. In this presentation, we will discuss:
o Differences between the various alcohol and
drug-related driving offenses in Colorado
o The penalties for both first time and repeat DUI
and DUID offenders
o How the legalization of recreational marijuana
plays into the state’s DUID laws
o Things to remember if police stop you in the
future on suspected DUI or DUID charges

4. Colorado alcohol and drug-related driving offenses:
Driving while ability impaired (DWAI)
When alcohol consumption impacts your driving to the slightest degree.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
When alcohol consumption impacts your driving substantially.
Driving under the influence per se (DUI per se)
When chemical testing indicates you have a BAC of .08 percent or more.
Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
When the consumption of drugs, including marijuana, impacts your driving significantly.

5. • Jail time of two days to 180 days
• Fine ranging from $200 to $500
• Community service of 24 to 48 hours
• Up to two years of probation
Possible
penalties for your
first DWAI
conviction in
Colorado
1ST

6. • Jail time of five days to one year
• Jail time of at least 10 days if you register a
BAC of .2 percent
• Fine ranging from $600 to $1,000
• License revocation of nine months
• Community service of 48 to 96 hours
• Up to two years of probation
• Possible ignition interlock installation
Possible penalties
for your first DUI,
DUI per se or DUID
conviction
1ST

7. • Jail time of at least 10 days, but no more than
one year
• Fine ranging from $600 to $1,500
• License revocation of one year
• Community service of 48 to 120 hours
• Two years of probation
• Required ignition interlock installation
Possible penalties
for your second
DWAI, DUI, DUI per
se or DUID
conviction
2ND

8. • Jail time of at least 60 days
• Fine ranging from $600 to $1,500
• License revocation of at least two years
• Community service of 48 to 120 hours
• Two years of probation
• Required ignition interlock installation
Possible penalties
for your third, or
subsequent DWAI,
DUI, DUI per se or
DUID conviction
3RD

9. IMPORTANT TIP REGARDING DUIDs
Even though recreational marijuana is now legal in Colorado, it does not
mean you can smoke and drive. In fact, the legal driving limit for
marijuana use is five nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood.

10. REGULAR MARIJUANA USERS BEWARE
Even when the effects of marijuana have worn off, you may not be below the
five-nanogram limit, especially if you are a regular user.

11. If you are pulled over in the future, remember, you CAN, and should,
refuse to take field sobriety tests.

12. However, you CANNOT refuse an official Breathalyzer or chemical
test without facing criminal punishment.
A wrongful refusal results in license revocation of one year if it is
your first offense.
Alternatively, if you take a test and fail, you will face a license
revocation of nine months.

13. To learn more about what you need to know if you have
been charged with a DUI or DUID in Colorado, please
visit our website and read our white paper.
© 2015 Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Design and editorial services by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters."
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