DUI Enforcement in Colorado

Each year, about 30,000 people are arrested for drunk driving in Colorado. A 2009 investigation by the Denver Post found that more than 10,000 are arrested for a second offense, while more than 1,500 of those arrested each year have at least two prior convictions for DUI.

The Denver DUI defense attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann provide comprehensive representation for clients facing drunk driving charges, including first-time offenders, repeat offenders, felony and misdemeanor charges, driving under the influence of drugs and DUI charges involving a serious or fatal traffic accident.

A total of 173 fatal Colorado car accidents were blamed on drunk drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – accounting for about one-third of Colorado’s 548 fatal traffic accidents. And, as authorities continue to pour resources into fighting drunk driving, the number of questionable or improper arrests continues to rise.

Meanwhile, all 50 states have reduced the threshold for drunk driving from .10 to .08, thereby increasing the number of marginal arrests making their way into the court system each week.

Drunk driving is a serious charge often faced by motorists who have little or no experience with the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, many attempt to resolve the issue without an experienced attorney. A DUI conviction can affect your freedom, your independence, and even your livelihood. A conviction can result in jail time, heavy fines, increased insurance premiums, and other probation and reporting requirements.

Hiring a qualified Denver drunk driving defense lawyer can have a major impact on your case. Some federal statistics show only about 1 in 3 motorists charged with drunk driving in Colorado are ultimately convicted of the crime, according to a federal study commissioned by the NHTSA. About half were able to obtain either a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

As one of the most common arrests in Colorado, drunk driving laws are also among the most developed -- case law and court decisions have helped outline the rights of motorists and the obligations of law enforcement during a DUI arrest.

An experienced attorney can often challenge evidence through a Motion to Suppress Evidence or by reviewing the conduct and training of officers involved in the traffic stop. Sobriety checkpoints, breathalyzer examinations and field sobriety tests all have their own specific legal requirements. When an officer doesn’t follow the law, a dismissal or reduction of the charges should be sought by a qualified attorney.

The Denver DUI defense lawyers at Rosenthal & Heymann provide aggressive and comprehensive defense of drunk driving charges in Denver and the surrounding area, including Boulder, Lakewood, Englewood and Aurora. Call today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Rosenthal & Heymann – Call 303-825-2223 – Free Consultation