Facing a DUI in Colorado as a Tourist? Your Legal Options Explained
Colorado is a top destination for tourists, offering breathtaking mountain views, world-class skiing, and vibrant nightlife. However, if your vacation takes a turn and you’re charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), it can quickly become a stressful and confusing situation—especially if you’re from out of state. Understanding your legal options is essential for protecting your rights and minimizing the consequences.
Understanding DUI Charges in Colorado
In Colorado, you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For marijuana and other drugs, impairment is judged based on observed behavior and chemical tests. Colorado also has a lesser charge known as DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), which applies when BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%.
What Happens When a Tourist is Charged with DUI?
If you’re arrested for DUI in Colorado and you live in another state, you still have to deal with the Colorado legal system. You may face:
- Criminal Charges: These can lead to fines, jail time, community service, or mandatory alcohol education classes.
- License Consequences: Colorado may suspend your driving privileges within the state, and your home state may take additional action.
- Court Appearances: You might be required to return to Colorado for court dates unless your attorney can appear on your behalf.
- Long-Term Impacts: A DUI conviction can follow you across state lines, affecting your criminal record, insurance rates, and future travel plans.
Your Legal Options
If you’re facing a DUI charge as a tourist in Colorado, here are some key steps and legal options:
- Hire a Local DUI Attorney: An experienced Colorado attorney can represent your interests in court, potentially saving you from traveling back and forth.
- Challenge the Charges: Your lawyer may be able to challenge the validity of the stop, the accuracy of BAC tests, or procedural errors.
- Negotiate a Plea Deal: In some cases, charges may be reduced or penalties minimized through plea negotiations.
- Request a DMV Hearing: You have a limited time (usually 7 days) to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your driving privileges in Colorado.
- Explore Alternative Sentencing: First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs or alternative sentencing options that reduce the impact of a conviction.
How Thomas & Ahnell, LLC Can Help
At Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face a DUI charge while away from home. Our experienced team of Colorado DUI attorneys will guide you through every step of the process—working to protect your rights, minimize your penalties, and, when possible, appear on your behalf in court so you can focus on returning to your normal life. We’re committed to helping tourists resolve their legal matters as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Charged with a DUI while visiting Colorado? Contact Thomas & Ahnell, LLC today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.
