Extreme DUI Attorney in Aurora
Serious Charges, Focused DUI Defense On Your Side
If you are facing an extreme DUI charge after an arrest in Aurora, the penalties you are reading about can feel overwhelming. A very high blood alcohol concentration can mean mandatory jail, long license revocations, and a criminal record that follows you for years. You need to know what you are really facing and who can help you respond.
At Orr Law Firm, we focus our practice on DUI and criminal defense. Our attorneys understand the science behind breath and blood testing, the procedures officers must follow, and the tactics prosecutors use in Colorado DUI cases. We guide clients from the moment of arrest through both the court process and the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, working to protect your rights and your ability to drive.
You do not have to sort through this alone. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain your options in plain language, and help you take the next step.
If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, the state already has a head start. Contact a dedicated extreme DUI attorney in Aurora at Orr Law Firm by calling (303) 747-4247 or reaching out online. We offer free consultations and payment plans are available to help you start your defense immediately.
Understanding Extreme DUI Laws in Colorado
Colorado’s legal framework for impaired driving is primarily found in Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1301. Most drivers understand that the "per se" limit for a DUI is 0.08%. However, the law scales its severity based on the level of intoxication. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you are automatically labeled a PDD, even if it is your first offense.
This PDD designation is a critical distinction. It changes the nature of your interaction with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the criminal courts. Furthermore, if your BAC reaches 0.20% or higher, the court is legally required to impose a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, even for a first-time offender.
As of 2026, Colorado has also maintained strict standards for "Express Consent." By driving in Aurora or anywhere else in the state, you have already legally consented to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause. Refusing this test also triggers the PDD designation and results in an automatic one-year license revocation, emphasizing why an Aurora extreme DUI lawyer must be involved in your case from the earliest possible moment to manage these intersecting administrative and criminal timelines.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Extreme DUI Convictions in Aurora
The penalties for a high-BAC DUI are some of the most rigorous in the United States. Colorado legislators have designed these laws to ensure that "extreme" levels of intoxication result in mandatory lifestyle changes.
Criminal and Administrative Penalties
- Mandatory Jail Time: If your BAC is 0.20% or higher, a 10-day jail sentence is mandatory. If it is a second offense, the mandatory minimum jumps to 10 days regardless of BAC, and a third offense carries a mandatory 60 days.
- Persistent Drunk Driver Designation: This requires you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a minimum of two years to regain any driving privileges.
- Level II Alcohol Education and Therapy: You will be required to complete a rigorous multi-month program consisting of both education classes and therapeutic sessions.
- Fines and Surcharges: Expect fines between $600 and $1,500, but when court costs, PDD surcharges, and drug/alcohol evaluation fees are added, the total often exceeds $3,000.
Collateral Consequences
- SR-22 Insurance: You will be required to maintain high-risk SR-22 insurance for up to three years, which significantly increases your monthly premiums.
- Employment Risks: Many Aurora residents work in industries requiring a clean driving record or security clearances. A PDD designation can lead to the loss of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or job termination.
- Travel Restrictions: A high-BAC DUI conviction can make you "inadmissible" to certain countries, most notably Canada.
The Aurora Criminal Defense Process for Extreme DUI Charges
The path through an Aurora DUI case involves two parallel tracks: the DMV and the Municipal or District Court.
- The 7-Day DMV Deadline: You have only seven days from the date of your arrest (if you took a breath test or refused) to request a DMV hearing. If you took a blood test, you must wait for the results to be mailed before your deadline begins. If you miss this window, your license is revoked automatically.
- Arraignment: This is your first court date where you are formally advised of the charges. We typically enter a plea of not guilty while we await the full discovery, including the lab reports for your blood or breath sample.
- Discovery and Analysis: We obtain the calibration logs for the I-9000 breathalyzer used in your arrest. We also look at the "chromatograms" of your blood test to ensure there was no fermentation or contamination of the sample.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: We negotiate with the District Attorney. In many high-BAC cases, our goal is to use procedural errors to negotiate a "deferred judgment" or a reduction to a standard DUI or DWAI, avoiding the PDD label.
- Trial: If the state is being unreasonable, we take the case to a jury of six Aurora residents. We utilize expert toxicologists to explain to the jury why the state’s BAC reading may be scientifically flawed.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Extreme DUI Defense in Aurora
At Orr Law Firm, we do not believe in simple "plea-and-pay" strategies. We approach every high-BAC case with the assumption that the equipment or the process was flawed. Our methodology is built on technical expertise.
We investigate whether the officer observed the mandatory 20-minute "deprivation period" before your breath test. We scrutinize the officer's training records for Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) to ensure they were administered according to NHTSA standards. If you have a medical condition—such as GERD, acid reflux, or a ketogenic diet—that could have caused a false high reading on a breathalyzer, we bring in medical experts to testify.
We also recognize that a legal crisis creates a financial one. To ensure that everyone has access to a premier extreme DUI attorney in Aurora, payment plans are available and we provide free consultations to help you understand your options without an upfront cost.
Why Choose Our Firm For Extreme DUI
Extreme DUI cases in Colorado are treated very aggressively. When a driver is accused of a very high BAC, courts often consider mandatory jail time, longer probation, and strict conditions. In this environment, having a defense team that concentrates on DUI law, and knows how these cases are built and challenged, can be critical.
Our attorneys focus heavily on DUI defense, including cases that involve complex breath and blood testing. We have an intricate understanding of how testing machines should be maintained, how samples should be collected and stored, and how officers are trained to administer roadside evaluations. This detailed knowledge allows us to look beyond the surface numbers and identify issues that may not be obvious at first glance.
We are committed to staying ahead of developments in DUI defense. Our attorneys, including founder Rhidian Orr, pursue ongoing training and certifications in DUI law and science. This ongoing work keeps us current with Colorado statutes, court decisions, and trends in chemical testing, which we then apply to the strategies we build for our clients.
We also understand that an Extreme DUI affects far more than just a court date. It can threaten a career, a professional license, and a family’s financial stability. That is why we strive to be transparent and approachable in every interaction. We explain what is happening, what may come next, and what options might be available. With payment plans available, we work to make quality DUI defense accessible so that cost is not the only factor in your decision to reach out for help.
Steps To Take After a DUI Arrest in Aurora
In the hours and days after an Extreme DUI arrest, it can be hard to think clearly. There is a lot of information coming from officers, paperwork, and online sources. Taking a few focused steps can help protect important rights and put you in a better position as your case moves forward.
Here are practical steps to take as soon as possible:
- Review your paperwork and note all deadlines, including the time limit to request a Colorado DMV hearing about your license.
- Write down everything you remember about the stop, roadside tests, conversations with officers, and how any breath or blood testing was handled.
- Avoid talking about the details of your case with friends, co workers, or on social media, since those statements can later be taken out of context.
- Gather any documents you already have, such as bond receipts, towing paperwork, or court notices, and keep them in one place.
- Contact our firm promptly so we can review your situation, explain your options, and begin guiding you through the court and DMV processes.
When you reach out to us, we take time to listen to what happened from your point of view. We discuss the immediate concerns, such as your next court date and license status, and outline the steps we can take together to move forward.
Talk To Our Extreme DUI Defense Attorney in Aurora
An extreme DUI charge in Aurora is serious, but you do not have to face it on your own. Our attorneys focus on DUI defense, understand the science and procedures behind high BAC cases, and guide clients through both court and DMV proceedings from start to finish.
To speak with our DUI defense team about an extreme DUI charge, call (303) 747-4247 or reach out online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to go to jail for an Extreme DUI?
Colorado law allows for mandatory jail in some high BAC cases, especially with prior DUIs. Whether that applies in your situation depends on your record, the facts of the arrest, and how the case is handled. We review these factors with you and work to pursue alternatives where possible.
What happens to my driver’s license after an Extreme DUI arrest?
An Extreme DUI usually triggers a separate Colorado DMV action that can lead to license revocation. You generally have a limited time to request a hearing. We help you understand the deadlines, request the hearing when retained in time, and present your position at that proceeding.
How soon should I contact an attorney after being arrested?
It is usually best to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. Early involvement lets our team review paperwork, advise you before future court dates, and address DMV deadlines. The sooner you reach out, the more options we typically have for planning your response.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for an Extreme DUI?
Costs depend on the complexity of the case, court location, and how much work is required. We discuss fees openly at the beginning so you know what to expect. Our firm offers payment plans, which can make it easier to secure representation while managing other financial pressures.
How will your team handle my Extreme DUI case?
We begin by listening to your account and reviewing reports and test results. Our attorneys analyze the stop, roadside tests, and chemical testing, and then discuss possible strategies with you. We guide you through each court date and DMV step, keeping you informed and involved in decisions.