Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney on Defending DUI Charges

As a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney, I wasn’t surprised by the recent article in Men’s Health Magazine, ranking Colorado Springs as the “drunkest city in Colorado” and the 16th drunkest city in the United States.  The study was based on more than just DUI arrests.  It also factored in the severity of DUI penalties and the number of DUI related deaths. In addition, the long term health effects of too much alcohol seem to be catching up with Colorado Springs residents, because it also ranks 17th for liver disease, a common result of frequent binge drinking. 

The reason I wasn’t too surprised by this study is that I see so many DUI and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) cases coming through Colorado Springs’ criminal courts.  Even though the DUI laws are the 18th harshest in the nation, it still ranks 33rd for the number of total arrests for drunk driving. 

Defending drunk drivers is not always easy, because a conviction can have serious long term consequences.  Not only could a DUI record result in prison time and suspension of a driver’s license, it can also have a lasting impact on employment opportunities and relationships.  For example, with a first offense and a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher, you may be facing five days to one year of prison time, a fine ranging from $600 to $1,000, 12 points on your license and/or community service, and you may either have your license suspended for nine months or be forced to attend an alcohol treatment program. 

The type of sentence you receive depends a lot upon the results of your Blood Alcohol (BAC) test.   If you have been charged with a drunken driving offense, you need to seek an experienced lawyer and learn your rights immediately.

One way that an attorney can help is by finding mistakes in DUI arrest procedures, such as the BAC test, since they are not always done accurately.  Working with an experienced Colorado Springs criminal and DUI defense attorney will ensure your case is thoroughly investigated and you have the strongest defense possible.  Contact the law firm of Clawson & Clawson, LLP in Colorado Springs for a free consultation.