What happens if I get a DUI in Colorado?

Colorado uses a three-tier impaired-driving structure (DUI, DUI per se, and DWAI), and was one of the first states to enact a per se THC limit for marijuana.

1. Per Se BAC Standard

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1301(2)(a) sets adult DUI per se at 0.08% BAC; § 42-4-1301(1)(b) creates DWAI at 0.05%-0.079% (lesser offense). Marijuana per se is 5 ng/mL active THC under § 42-4-1301(6)(a)(IV). Commercial limit is 0.04% under § 42-2-126; under-21 limit is 0.02% under § 42-4-1301(2)(d).

2. Implied Consent

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1301.1 ("Express Consent") requires submission to chemical testing. First refusal triggers a 1-year DMV license revocation, designation as "persistent drunk driver" under § 42-1-102(68.5), mandatory IID for 2 years on reinstatement, and SR-22.

3. First-Offense Penalties

First DUI under § 42-4-1307(3): 5 days to 1 year jail (mandatory minimum may be suspended), $600-$1,000 fine plus court costs, 48-96 hours useful public service, 9-month license revocation, alcohol education and therapy, and mandatory IID for 8 months under § 42-2-132.5. First DWAI: 2-180 days jail, $200-$500 fine, no automatic license loss, 8 points (4 below 12-point limit).

4. Enhancements

Fourth DUI (any prior) under § 42-4-1301(1)(a) is a Class 4 felony with 2-6 year prison range. Vehicular homicide-DUI (§ 18-3-106) is a Class 3 felony with 4-12 year mandatory sentence; vehicular assault-DUI (§ 18-3-205) is Class 4 felony. BAC 0.15%+ triggers automatic "persistent drunk driver" designation and 2-year IID.

5. Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

The officer issues a Notice of Revocation; you have 7 days to request a DMV Express Consent hearing or the revocation takes effect automatically after 7 days.

6. Court Process

Arraignment, pretrial conferences, motions to suppress (Crim. P. 41), plea bargaining (DWAI plea reduction from DUI possible), and 6-person jury trial in county court.

7. Long-Term Consequences

SR-22 insurance for 3 years, federal CDL disqualification for 1 year (49 C.F.R. § 383.51), DUI convictions cannot be sealed under § 24-72-706, "persistent drunk driver" designation triggers Level II Education and Therapy (86 hours minimum).

This is legal information, not legal advice.