20061210

DUI Law: Colorado DUI and DWAI Penalties

If you have been caught drinking and driving in Colorado you may be charged with either DWAI (Driving While Ability is Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs). This article details the penalties for both offenses and offers legal assistance through our sponsoring attorneys.

First Offense DWAI (Blood Alcohol Content Between .05 and .079)
DWAI is the lesser of the two offenses. Your first DWAI offense will result in a prison sentence of between two (2) days to one hundred eighty (180) days. You will also receive a minimum fine of between $100.00 and $500.00 and have eight (8) points assessed against your driver’s license. You will also be required to perform between twenty four (24) and forty eight (48) hours of community service.

As you can see, there is a wide range of jail time the Court may impose upon you. Be sure to have an attorney represent you even if you are only charged with DWAI.

Second Offense DWAI
Your second DWAI offense within five (5) years will result in a prison sentence of between forty five (45) days to one (1) year. You will also receive a minimum fine of between $300.00 and $1,000.00 and have your driver's license revoked for one (1) year. You will also be required to perform between forty eight (48) and ninety six (96) hours of community service.

Again, there is a wide range of jail time the Court may impose upon you. Be sure to have an attorney represent you.

DWAI With Prior DUI
If you are convicted of DWAI after having been convicted of DUI during the previous five (5) years you will face a prison sentence of between sixty (60) days to one (1) year. You will also receive a minimum fine of between $400.00 and $1,200.00 and have your driver's license revoked for one (1) year. You will also be required to perform between fifty two (52) and one hundred four (104) hours of community service.

First Offense DUI (Blood Alcohol Content Between .08 or higher)
DUI is the greater of the two offenses. Your first DUI offense will result in a prison sentence of between five (5) days to one (1) year. You will also receive a minimum fine of between $300.00 and $1,000.00 and have your driver's license suspended for one (1) year. You will also be required to perform between forty eight (48) and ninety six (96) hours of community service.

Second Offense DUI
Your second DUI offense within five (5) years will result in a prison sentence of between ninety (90) days to one (1) year. You will also receive a minimum fine of between $500.00 and $1,500.00 and have your driver's license revoked for one (1) year. You will also be required to perform between sixty (60) and one hundred twenty (120) hours of community service.

DUI With Prior DWAI
If you are convicted of DUI after having been convicted of DWAI during the previous five (5) years you will face a prison sentence of between seventy (70) days to one (1) year. You will also receive a minimum fine of between $450.00 and $1,500.00 and have your driver's license revoked for one (1) year. You will also be required to perform between fifty six (56) and one hundred twelve (112) hours of community service.

As you can see there is a wide range of charges and sentences that can be imposed on you if you are caught DWAI or DUI. To get the best results, contact one of our sponsoring attorneys below or at the top of this page.