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720-445-9887
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720-445-9887The process of regaining driving privileges after DUI charges is somewhat complicated, but the good news is that you’ll likely be back behind the wheel sooner than you think. Here’s what you need to know.
In Colorado, a DUI arrest leads to automatic driver’s license suspension — but that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to drive at all.
In Colorado, driver’s license suspensions and revocations aren’t tied to the progress of your court case. If you are arrested for DUI, your suspension begins immediately:
License suspensions are far from the only consequence of a DUI arrest, but they’re the consequence most people run into first. Suspensions are more severe if you refuse to take a chemical (breath, blood, or urine) test after arrest. This does not apply if you refuse a field breathalyzer test. It only counts if you refuse a test after being arrested. These are the suspension periods if you refuse:
It’s easy to panic when you look at the lengths of those periods. However, the good news is that with the help of a DUI attorney, you can apply for a restricted license.
An attorney may be able to help you restore your driving privileges after DUI more quickly. Call our office at 720-445-9887.
An attorney can help, but let’s go over the basics.
In Colorado, you must apply for reinstatement with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Reinstatement requirements vary depending on several factors. Here are the requirements for a driver 21 or older to be reinstated after a first offense where their BAC was under 0.15:
Colorado is somewhat unique in that it requires everyone, even first-time offenders with a low BAC, to get an interlock device installed after a DUI. Requirements for how long the interlock must be in place vary greatly depending on the severity of your offense.
There are differences, depending on blood alchohol levels.
If your offense involved a BAC of 0.15 or more, you’re considered to be a “high BAC offender.” In addition to taking the steps above, high-BAC offenders must do the following:
Understanding requirements can be confusing, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a Denver DUI lawyer. If you violate the terms of your restricted license, your driving privileges may be completely revoked for a year or more.
Getting driving privileges back after DUI charges is a complex process. Here are some of the most common questions our clients ask:
Exact requirements vary, but you will generally need to pay a fee, attend an alcohol/drug educational or rehabilitative program, install an ignition interlock, and obtain an SR-22.
If your case wasn’t your first DUI, you refused a chemical test, you had a high BAC (0.15 or above), or you caused an accident, the reinstatement process is usually longer and more complex.
Yes. You will need to take the written, eye, and driving tests.
If you try to do this three or more times in a 12-month period, your interlock restriction will normally be extended. If you drive a non-interlocked car or attempt to bypass the interlock, your license will be revoked for a year.
You’ll likely have questions throughout the process, but a Colorado DUI lawyer can help.
An experienced DUI attorney can walk you through the process of applying for a restricted license so you can get your post-DUI driving privileges sooner. If it’s been less than seven days since your arrest, your attorney may even set up a hearing to contest the suspension itself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless after a DUI arrest, but with a skilled attorney by your side, you’ll be well on your way to getting back on the road.
Arrested for DUI? The sooner you retain an attorney, the more options you have for your defense. Call the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at 720-445-9887 or fill out the online contact form for a free consultation.
Denver Defense Lawyer Kevin Cahill never assumes that your case is a lost cause. He is a confident and fearless litigator who refuses to back down when he is fighting to protect the rights of his clients. Regardless of whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, it is vital that you take the charges seriously and seek out legal representation as soon as possible so you can start building your defense.