Best DUI Lawyers in Highlands Ranch, CO

FAQs

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

  The phone number to contact the local police station in Highlands Ranch for non-emergencies is 303-660-7505.

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

  Police reports pertaining to cases in Highlands Ranch can be requested online using this link: https://dcsheriff.net/sheriffs-office/divisions/support-services/records-and-fees/online-records-request-form/ and by visiting either the Douglas County Justice Center or the Highlands Ranch Substation in person. You can also request it through US mail. The Douglas County Justice Center's address if 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109.

• What are the general consequences of being charged with a DUI in Highlands Ranch?

  At Highlands Ranch, the consequences of being charged with DUI may include a combination of monetary penalties, incarceration, mandatory public service, and probation. Furthermore, enduring impacts on one's personal and professional life can result from a DUI conviction, such as challenges in securing job opportunities and facing a driver's license suspension for up to two years. You should call an experienced DUI attorney to help you with your charges.

• What are the types of charges related to impaired driving in Highlands Ranch?

  In Highlands Ranch, there are two separate charges related to impaired driving: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). The primary difference between these charges lies in the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. A DUI charge typically applies when a driver's BAC is 0.08% or higher, while a DWAI charge is applicable when a driver's BAC is between 0.05% and 0.079%.

• How is "drug" legally defined in Highlands Ranch?

  In Highlands Ranch, the legal definition of "drug" aligns with the state laws of Colorado. According to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) § 27-80-203(13), a "drug" is defined as:

  • Any substance recognized in official pharmacopeias.
  • Supplements used for diagnosing or treating diseases in humans or animals.
  • Substances intended to alter the structure or function of human or animal bodies (excluding food).
  • Substances used as components of the previously mentioned categories.

• Does having a medical marijuana registry card in Highlands Ranch exempt a person from being charged with DUID or DWAI?

  In Highlands Ranch, possessing a medical marijuana registry card does not absolve one from facing charges related to DUID or DWAI. Nevertheless, solely having a medical marijuana registry card cannot serve as proof to secure a conviction for either violation. The medical marijuana registry card, issued by the state, permits patients suffering from severe medical conditions to legally obtain and use medical marijuana.

• Is it possible to receive a DUI while operating an electric scooter in Highlands Ranch?

  You can get a DUI charge for riding a scooter in Highlands Ranch. According to Colorado Revised Statute 42-1-102, a scooter falls under the definition of a "vehicle." It is essential to exercise caution and avoid operating any vehicle, including scooters, when under the influence of substances that can impair your ability to drive safely.

• 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.