Best DUI Lawyers in Arvada, CO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Arvada, Colorado?

  720-898-6900 and 303-980-7300 are the non-emergency contact numbers for the local police station in Arvada.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Arvada, Colorado?

  You can request police reports, background checks, images, computer or address searches, and other documents through online means, in person, or via postal mail.

  For in-person and mail submissions, fill out the records request form and deliver it personally or send it by mail to:

  ATTN: Records City of Arvada 8101 Ralston Rd Arvada CO 80002

  Request form: https://arvada.org/source/Public%20Safety/Report-Request-March-2021.pdf

  Online requests can be made at https://secure.coplogic.com/rar/startrequest/200001232

• What is the punishment for first DUI offense in Arvada?

  For a first offense of DUI, DUID, or DUI per se in Arvada, the punishment includes a fine ranging from $650 to $1,000, a minimum of 48 hours of community service, and a jail term that can last from five days to one year. The minimum jail sentence increases to 10 days if the offender's BAC was .20% or more. It is crucial to bear in mind that DUI offenses are considered severe and can have serious consequences.

• Is it legal for minors to drink alcohol with their parents in Arvada?

  In Arvada, minors can drink with their parents on private property with the knowledge and consent of the property owner. Although Colorado allows minors to drink with their parents on private property, if they are arrested for DUI, police can administer breathalyzer tests without parental consent due to the illegality of underage drinking and the application of a different legal limit.

• What is the legal BAC limit for adults in Arvada?

  In Arvada, the law states that if an adult's BAC falls between 0.05% to 0.08%, they could face a charge of DWAI. This means even if a driver is not legally intoxicated, they may be considered impaired and unsafe to operate a vehicle. However, if the BAC is found to be 0.08% or higher, the driver could be charged with DUI, indicating legal intoxication and significantly impaired ability to operate a vehicle.

• Can you represent yourself in an Arvada DUI case?

  Yes. It is possible to represent yourself in an Arvada DUI case, but it is not advisable due to the complexity and serious consequences of such cases. A DUI attorney with expertise in this specialized field can be immensely helpful in reviewing the case, challenging evidence, negotiating for reduced charges or sentences, obtaining expert witnesses for trial, and contesting the administrative license suspension, among other things. Seeking legal representation in a DUI case in Colorado is highly recommended.

• What are the common defenses for Arvada DUI charges?

  When facing DUI charges in Arvada, there are several defenses available, such as disputing the police officer's actions before the arrest, presenting evidence of sobriety, disputing the operation element of a DUI charge, and challenging the accuracy of blood or breath test results. However, since every DUI case is different, it is essential to retain the services of an attorney with expertise in handling diverse DUI cases. A qualified DUI attorney can help identify the most effective defense strategy to secure the best possible outcome.

• What does a DUI charge involve?

  DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.

• What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?

  The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).

• How long does a DUI stay on your record?

  In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.

• How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

  The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.

• How do I choose a DUI attorney?

  Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:

  • Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
  • Ask for referrals from family and friends
  • Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
  • Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
  • Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
  • Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable

• What happens when you get a DUI?

  Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.

  Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.

• Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?

  While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.

• How much does a DUI cost?

  DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.

• When does a DUI become a felony?

  Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:

  • It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
  • The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
  • The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.

• How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

  Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.