Joy and celebration can always be expected during the holidays. But for too many people in Colorado, the season is ruined by the flashing lights of a police car and the words, “You’re under arrest for DUI.”
If you find yourself in this terrifying situation, it can feel like your world is ending. The stress, the fear, and the uncertainty are overwhelming. You may be tempted to believe that a conviction is inevitable, but that is simply not true. You have rights, and you have options. The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and understand that this is not a battle you should fight alone.
The Clock is Ticking: Don’t Wait
The moments following a DUI arrest are critical. The decisions you make—or fail to make—in the first few days can have a lasting impact on your case. Colorado law is complex, and the penalties for a DUI conviction are severe, including fines, jail time, and the loss of your driver’s license. There are two separate cases you will be fighting: the criminal case and the DMV case regarding your driving privileges. The DMV case has a very short deadline for requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension of your license. Missing this deadline is a critical mistake that can have immediate consequences.
The Police Are Not on Your Side
When you were arrested, the police may have seemed helpful or even sympathetic. Don’t be fooled. Their job is to build a case against you. Every word you said, every action you took, and every test you performed is now evidence they will use to secure a conviction. They are trained to elicit confessions and gather evidence that will hurt your case. This is why you should never provide more information than what is legally required. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right.
Don’t Assume You’re Guilty
A DUI charge is not a conviction. The prosecution has a high burden of proof, and they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence. This is where an aggressive, experienced legal team can make all the difference. Your legal team will scrutinize every piece of evidence, from the initial traffic stop to the chemical test results. They will look for procedural errors, inconsistencies in the officer's testimony, and problems with the testing equipment. Was the field sobriety test administered correctly? Was the breathalyzer properly calibrated? Were your constitutional rights violated? These are just some of the questions that must be answered.
Your Future is at Stake
A DUI conviction can haunt you for years. It can impact your career, your finances, and your reputation. It can make it difficult to find a job, secure a loan, or even rent a car. You need an advocate who will fight for you and protect your future. You need a team that understands the nuances of Colorado DUI law and has a proven track record of success.
Don't let a holiday DUI arrest define your future. You need an aggressive legal team that will stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome. The time to act is now.
Contact Orr Law Firm at (303) 747-4247 to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.