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Sometimes we might find ourselves in a delicate situation on the road leaving you with driving offenses that may somehow be confusing, especially when it comes to DUI and DWI charges.
But don't worry, as a lawyer with over 17 years of experience in Criminal Law, let me untangle the maze of these two terms, shine a light on their distinctions and reveal how they apply in the state of Colorado.
Let's start by clarifying these two acronyms: DWI vs DUI
DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Typically refers to when you operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In most states, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is already considered DUI.
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired): May be used interchangeably with DUI in some states. However, in others, this specifically refers to driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol–regardless of your BAC levels.
DUI vs DWI in Colorado
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If you already know, Colorado DUI Laws take offenses seriously–with penalties that can be quite severe. Here's a rundown of its charges:
First DUI Offense: Mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail (up to one year); fines between $600 and $1,000; mandatory public service hours; and license suspension for nine months.
Second DUI Offense: Mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail (up to one year); fines between $600 and $1,500; mandatory public service hours; and license suspension for one year.
Third DUI Offense: Mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail (up to one year); fines between $600 and $1,500; mandatory public service hours; and license suspension for two years.
Just to clarify, Colorado uses the term "DWAI" instead of "DWI" and its penalties include:
First DWAI Offense: Up to 180 days in jail; fines between $200 and $500; mandatory public service hours; and eight points on your driver's license.
Second DWAI Offense: Up to one year in jail; fines between $300 and $1,000; mandatory public service hours; and your license suspension for one year.
Third DWAI Offense: Up to one year in jail; fines between $600 and $1,500; mandatory public service hours; and license suspension for two years.
Your Trusted DUI & DWAI Defense
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If you're facing DUI or DWAI charges in Colorado, it's a need to have a reliable Greenwood Village DUI attorney on your side. Here's how I can help:
Review the Evidence: As your lawyer, I'll carefully examine all the evidence against you. Police report, breathalyzer results, and any other field sobriety tests.
Challenge the Charges: If there are any discrepancies or inconsistencies in this evidence, we'll do everything to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Negotiate a Plea Deal: In some cases, I can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to reduce your penalties.
So if you're facing such charges, DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT.
I understand all those far-reaching consequences a DUI can have on your life, and I'm ready to do everything I can to minimize those effects for you.
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