Colorado Drunk Driving Defense Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Colorado laws and procedures related to criminal defense are complicated and require a skilled criminal defense lawyer to properly navigate through the process. Daniel, Thom & Katzman, P.C., fights for the rights of alleged criminal offenders in the city of Colorado Springs and throughout Colorado. Daniel, Thom & Katzman, P.C., delivers personalized attention to their clients by keeping case information detailed and accessible and provides exceptional legal solutions related to the following matters:

Drunk Driving:

In the state of Colorado, it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

In order to be convicted of Drunk Driving, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. Evidence must show that the arresting officer had a reasonable, articulable suspicion for stopping or approaching the vehicle, or if stopped at a roadblock, that the roadblock was set up in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

DUI:

"DUI" stands for Driving Under the Influence and occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender's expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DUI conviction stays on a DMV record for at least 7 years; it typically results in higher insurance premiums and an offender may become ineligible for credit. Plus, a DUI could also jeopardize your employment opportunities.

However, if someone was injured as a result of the drunken driving accident, it is possible the defendant will be charged with a felony (and if the victim dies, the driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter). Further, a DUI conviction will likely be raised to a felony if it is the driver's fourth DUI offense or the driver has had a prior felony DUI offense within 10 years of the new charge.

Felonies:

Felony crimes involve drug and narcotics charges, arson, burglary, armed robbery, murder and/or attempted murder, rape and/or sexual assault, kidnapping, and assault and battery. A felony conviction is a serious matter that can result in a substantial state prison sentence and the potential loss of certain privileges and Constitutional rights of U.S. citizenship, such as the right to possess a firearm or the right to vote.

Drug Crimes:

Drug and narcotic offenses can range from misdemeanors with light sentences to felonies that carry a life sentence. In some situations, a conviction could result in deportation. Drug offenses also include a wide variety of drug-related activities, including possession, distribution, cultivation, manufacturing and delivery.

Misdemeanors:

Some people think of misdemeanors as minor offenses. Daniel, Thom & Katzman, P.C. understands that a conviction for any crime can have disastrous consequences. Since a misdemeanor conviction can result in substantial jail time and the loss of important rights and freedoms, the Firm knows such cases are anything but minor.

Traffic Crimes:

Traffic crimes are specifically addressed in state statutes. There is an entire body of law that regulates the operation of motor vehicles on the streets and highways. The laws related to operating a vehicle can be difficult to interpret and apply. It is important to contact an experienced traffic crimes defense lawyer if you have been charged with a traffic crime. To learn more about traffic-related criminal charges, contact the Colorado Springs drunk driving lawyers of Daniel, Thom & Katzman, P.C.

If you or someone you know in Colorado Springs, or anywhere within the State of Colorado, needs the assistance or skilled legal counsel of an experienced DUI defense lawyer, contact Daniel, Thom & Katzman, P.C., today, at 866-435-2789, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your free initial consultation.