Multiple DUI Attorney in Aurora

Experienced Defense for Multiple DUI Charges in Aurora, CO

Facing multiple DUI charges can be overwhelming, but at Orr Law Firm, we stand by your side, delivering robust legal representation. Our dedication to defending your rights ensures that you're never alone in navigating the complexities of DUI laws in Aurora, CO.

Multiple DUI offenses can compound swiftly, leading to elevated penalties and harsher consequences. Aurora’s legal environment is rigorous, with courts often adopting a hardline stance against repeat offenders. This makes understanding the local nuances of DUI laws critical for anyone facing charges.

Our representation shines not only in the courtroom but also in our ability to guide you through the administrative complexities of DUI charges, such as potential license suspension. Choosing the right legal ally can profoundly ease the emotional and logistical burdens of facing multiple DUI charges, securing your peace of mind and bolstering your legal standing.

We offer 24/7 availability and free consultations. Speak with an Aurora multiple DUI lawyer about your case. Call (303) 747-4247 or contact us online.

Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in Colorado

In Colorado, the crime of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is primarily defined under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 42-4-1301. A person commits this offense if they drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

 The law has specific provisions for when a DUI charge is enhanced due to prior convictions. Unlike some other states with a short "look-back" period, Colorado has a very long memory when it comes to DUI convictions; there is no "washout" period. A DUI conviction from decades ago can still be used to enhance a current charge. 

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To convict you of a multiple DUI, the state must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following elements:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle: The state must prove that you were in actual physical control of the vehicle.
• Intoxication: The prosecution must prove that you were intoxicated. This is typically established in one of two ways:
  • Per Se DUI: The state proves that your BAC was 0.08% or greater, based on a breathalyzer or blood test result.
  • Subjective DUI: The state proves that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that your mental or physical faculties were substantially impaired, even if your BAC was below 0.08%. This is often proven through an officer's observations and your performance on Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs).
• Prior Convictions: This is the critical element that distinguishes a multiple DUI from a first offense. The prosecution must prove that you have the requisite number of prior convictions from "separate and distinct criminal episodes" for DUI, DWAI, vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide.

The prosecution's case often relies on a variety of evidence, including police officer observations of your driving, your performance on FSTs, and the results of a breath or blood test. This highly subjective evidence is frequently ripe for challenge by an experienced multiple DUI attorney in Aurora.

Penalties of Multiple DUI Convictions in Colorado

A conviction for a multiple DUI charge in Colorado can result in a complex web of direct penalties and far-reaching collateral consequences that will impact your life for years to come. 

Our role as your multiple DUI attorney in Aurora is not only to defend you against the direct criminal charges but also to help you understand and mitigate the non-criminal fallout of a potential conviction.

The severity of the penalties depends on the specific classification of the offense:

• Second Offense (Misdemeanor): Up to one year in jail (with a mandatory minimum of 10 consecutive days), a fine of $600 to $1,500, 48 to 120 hours of community service, and a license suspension of one year.
• Third Offense (Misdemeanor): Up to one year in jail (with a mandatory minimum of 60 consecutive days), a fine of $600 to $1,500, 48 to 120 hours of community service, and a license suspension of two years.
• Felony DUI (Fourth Offense): A Class 4 felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of two to six years, a fine of $2,000 to $500,000, and a license suspension of up to two years.

These are just the direct penalties. A multiple DUI conviction can also lead to court-mandated alcohol education and therapy, a required ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, and other fees. The costs, both financial and personal, are astronomical.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a DUI can make it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony DUI conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.