DUI Arrests Spike in Summer: What to Do If You’re Caught After an Event in Colorado

Summertime in Colorado brings festivals, camping trips, BBQs, concerts, and outdoor gatherings that take full advantage of the state’s stunning weather and scenery. But with these celebrations comes an unfortunate and predictable trend: a noticeable spike in DUI arrests. Law enforcement ramps up patrols, and sobriety checkpoints become more frequent—all in response to the rise in alcohol-related incidents during summer months.

If you find yourself facing a DUI charge after a summer event, it’s critical to act quickly and understand your rights. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the seasonal patterns in DUI arrests, what to expect after being charged, and what you should do immediately to protect yourself legally.

Why DUI Arrests Increase During Summer in Colorado

Colorado’s vibrant summer culture is a double-edged sword. On one side, it encourages people to unwind, socialize, and enjoy themselves. On the other, it increases the chances that someone may get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or marijuana. Here’s why the summer months are particularly risky:

1. More Social Events and Alcohol Consumption

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Coloradans participate in outdoor parties, sports games, parades, weddings, and other events where alcohol is easily accessible. It’s easy to underestimate your level of impairment—especially if you’ve only had “a few drinks” over a long afternoon or evening.

2. Increased Law Enforcement Presence

Police agencies across Colorado participate in heightened DUI enforcement campaigns during the summer. Initiatives like “The Heat Is On” involve additional patrols and DUI checkpoints, particularly during holiday weekends like the Fourth of July.

3. Tourism and Travel

Colorado’s scenic destinations attract millions of visitors during the warmer months. Out-of-towners unfamiliar with local DUI laws may be more likely to make a legal misstep, and increased traffic naturally leads to more stops and checkpoints.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Colorado?

If you’re arrested for DUI in Colorado, especially during the summer crackdown periods, you’ll likely go through the following steps:

1. Immediate Arrest and Booking

If you fail a roadside sobriety test or register a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you can be arrested on the spot. Officers may also arrest you if they suspect you’re impaired by drugs like marijuana—even with no alcohol present.

You’ll be taken to jail or a detox facility, where your personal belongings will be confiscated, and you may be held until you’re sober.

2. Chemical Testing

You’ll be required to take a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine). Refusing this test leads to automatic penalties, including a one-year driver’s license suspension—even if you’re not ultimately convicted.

3. License Suspension

You have just seven days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue to challenge your license suspension. Failing to act within this window can result in an automatic suspension, regardless of your criminal case outcome.

4. Criminal Charges and Court Process

A DUI charge is both an administrative and a criminal matter. You’ll be summoned to court, where you’ll face charges that could range from a first-time misdemeanor to a felony if there are aggravating factors (like injuries, prior DUIs, or children in the vehicle).

Penalties for a DUI in Colorado may include:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Probation
• Mandatory alcohol education programs
• Community service
• Ignition interlock device installation

What You Should Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest

The moments and days after a DUI arrest are critical. Here’s what you need to do to protect your rights and start building a defense:

1. Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer Immediately

The first and most important step is hiring a qualified DUI defense attorney. A lawyer can request your DMV hearing, evaluate the evidence against you, and fight to reduce or dismiss your charges.

An experienced lawyer understands Colorado DUI laws, local court practices, and how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case—such as faulty breathalyzer results or unlawful traffic stops.

2. Request a DMV Hearing

Don’t wait on this—act within 7 days of your arrest to schedule your hearing. Your attorney can do this for you. The hearing determines whether your license will be suspended, independent of the criminal case.

3. Write Down Everything You Remember

Record the details of your arrest while they’re fresh in your memory. Include where you were, what you drank (and how much), interactions with police, what tests you took, and any statements made. These facts can be critical for your defense.

4. Don’t Post About It on Social Media

It’s natural to want to vent or explain yourself, but anything you post can potentially be used against you in court. Stay off social media when it comes to your DUI case.

5. Follow Court and DMV Deadlines Closely

Missing deadlines can severely hurt your case. Your attorney will help you keep track of all requirements, but it’s still your responsibility to attend every hearing, complete any requested testing, and follow orders.

What Not to Do After a DUI Arrest

Just as there are essential actions to take, there are also crucial mistakes to avoid:

❌ Do Not Assume You’re Automatically Guilty

Many DUI charges can be successfully fought, especially if there were procedural errors or unreliable testing. Don’t plead guilty without speaking to a lawyer first.

❌ Do Not Drive if Your License Is Suspended

Driving on a suspended license can lead to additional criminal charges. Wait until you’re legally reinstated or are permitted to drive with an ignition interlock.

❌ Do Not Miss Your Court Dates

Skipping court can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest and further legal trouble. Always attend scheduled hearings.

How a DUI Lawyer Can Help You Fight the Charges

Working with a DUI attorney is your best chance of minimizing the consequences—or avoiding them entirely. A defense lawyer will:

• Investigate the Stop: Was the traffic stop legal? Were your rights violated?
• Challenge Test Results: Breathalyzers and blood tests are not always reliable. Your attorney can question their accuracy or how they were administered.
• Negotiate Plea Deals: In some cases, charges can be reduced to a lesser offense (such as reckless driving) to avoid a DUI conviction.
• Represent You at Hearings: Your lawyer will handle both the DMV and court proceedings, which can be complex and intimidating on your own.

Conclusion: Get the Legal Help You Need with Thomas & Associates

A DUI arrest can be overwhelming, especially during the busy summer season when enforcement is at its peak. But remember: being charged is not the same as being convicted. With the right legal strategy and immediate action, it’s possible to protect your record, your license, and your future.

At Thomas & Associates, we specialize in defending clients charged with DUI across Colorado. Our experienced legal team knows the ins and outs of Colorado’s DUI laws, enforcement patterns, and court systems. Whether this is your first offense or you’re facing more serious charges, we’re here to fight for your rights with professionalism and urgency.

Don’t wait. If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI after a summer event, contact Thomas & Associates today for a confidential consultation. We’re ready to help you take back control of your situation—one step at a time.