In Colorado, drivers can be convicted of two different levels of alcohol-related driving offenses. A DUI in Colorado is determined when a driver has a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of .08 percent or greater. A DUI is considered the more serious of the two alcohol-related driving offenses and results in several potentially severe Colorado DUI penalties.
The other DUI-related offense of driving while the ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs, or DWAI, occurs when a driver’s BAC registers between .05 percent and .07 percent.
Express Consent
Colorado has an express consent law, which means that a driver has automatically given his or her express consent to be administered a chemical test by simply being behind the wheel of a vehicle. An officer can administer a chemical test if they suspect a driver of operating a vehicle after drinking. If a driver refuses to submit to a test, his or her license will be revoked for one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense, and three years for a third offense.
Zero Tolerance
Colorado has a zero-tolerance law in place for drivers under the age of 21, who are considered minors. If drivers younger than 21 years old have a BAC of between .02 and .08 percent, they will automatically have their license revoked.
Colorado DUI Penalties for a 1st Conviction
A first DUI conviction results in jail time ranging from five days to one year, a fine between $600 and $1,000, a license suspension period of nine months, 12 points on one’s record, and between 48 and 96 hours of public service. Jail time may be suspended if the driver participates in an approved alcohol treatment program.
Colorado DUI Penalties for a 2nd Conviction
A second DUI conviction results in jail time ranging from 90 days to one year, a fine of $1,000 to $1,500, license suspension for one year, 12 points on the person’s driving record, and 60 to 120 hours of public service. The individual may have to have an ignition interlock device installed prior to having his or her license reinstated if the conviction is within five years of a previous DUI.
Colorado DUI Penalties for a 3rd Conviction
A third DUI conviction results in jail time ranging from 70 days to one year, a fine of between $900 and $1,500, license suspension for two years, 12 points toward license suspension, and 56 to 112 hours of public service. The driver will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed prior to his or her license reinstatement.
Colorado DWAI Penalties
A first DWAI conviction entails a jail sentence ranging from 48 hours to 180 days, a fine of $200 to $500, eight points toward license suspension, and 24 to 48 hours of public service.
A second DWAI conviction will result in jail time of 90 days to one year, a fine ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, one year of license suspension, 12 points toward license suspension, and 60 to 120 hours of public service.
After a third DWAI conviction, one will spend 45 days to one year in jail, pay a fine of $600 to $1,000, have his or her license suspended for two years and perform 48 to 96 hours of public service.