Holiday crackdown results in hundreds of additional Colorado DUI arrests

An on-going extensive DUI crackdown by Colorado police this holiday season recently netted 386 DUI arrests over the last Halloween Weekend – 6:00 p.m. October 30 through 3:00 a.m. November 4 – according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

This particular crackdown, which was a collaborative effort by the CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and various other law enforcement agencies throughout the state, is part of the broader DUI campaign in Colorado known as “The Heat Is On.” As part of this far-reaching DUI campaign, Colorado police have been, and will be, increasing DUI enforcement during 12 specific periods throughout the year – including this past Thanksgiving and the upcoming New Year’s holiday.

Accordingly, Colorado motorists should be aware of this campaign this holiday season as the penalties for driving under the influence – especially repeat DUI convictions – are quite severe in the Centennial State.

Consequences of Colorado DUI convictions

For instance, first time DUI offenders in Colorado face several adverse consequences if ultimately convicted, including:

• -Possible jail time of at least five days, although the court can suspend this sentence if the offender undergoes an alcohol evaluation and completes a subsequent alcohol program
• -Possible jail time of at least 10 days if the offender has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.20 percent or more at the time or arrest
• -Loss of license/license revocation
• -Possible fines of $600 to $1000
• -Mandatory public service of at least 48 hours
• -Possible probation period of up to two years

Additionally, the penalties increase substantially for subsequent DUI convictions in Colorado. For example, a second DUI conviction within five years will result in a mandatory jail sentence of at least 10 consecutive days and mandatory probation of two years – in addition to fines and public service – while a third DUI conviction will net the offender 60 days in jail.

Furthermore, Colorado courts are strongly encouraged to order DUI offenders to use ignition interlock devices (IIDs) as a condition of probation – although IIDs may also be required by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles as a condition of driving during a license revocation period. Specifically, IIDs are devices that require a driver to provide a breath sample to prove he or she is not intoxicated before the person’s car will start.

Ultimately, given the life-altering consequences of a DUI arrest or conviction in Colorado, it is often best to seek the counsel of an experienced DUI defense attorney if you are facing DUI charges. A skilled attorney can help ensure your rights are protected by reviewing the circumstances of your arrest and assisting in the development of effective defenses.