Denver Felony DUI Lawyer

Arrested for Felony DUI in Colorado? Our Firm is Ready to Help!

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it is crucial that you take immediate action, especially when it comes to a felony DUI. A felony DUI conviction can have lasting consequences on your life, affecting your ability to find employment and housing, as well as the ability to obtain professional licenses and permits. Even after your legal proceedings have concluded, a felony DUI conviction can follow you for years to come, negatively impacting your ability to obtain loans and even travel outside of the United States.

At Orr Law Firm, our Denver felony DUI lawyers can help you fight your DUI charges and protect your rights. Our attorneys are former prosecutors who are well-versed in the prosecution's strategy and can help you find the best way to counter it. We understand how stressful a DUI charge can be, but we will work hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Schedule your free consultation with our Denver felony DUI lawyers by calling (303) 747-4247 or filling out this online form today!

Types of Felony DUI in Colorado

In Colorado, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense, and under certain circumstances, it can be charged as a felony. Felony DUI charges are typically reserved for repeat offenders or cases involving aggravating factors.

There are several types of felony DUI charges in Colorado, including the following:

• Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offense: If a person is convicted of a fourth or subsequent DUI offense within their lifetime, it is considered a felony. Each prior DUI conviction, regardless of the jurisdiction, counts towards this lifetime lookback period.
• DUI with Prior Felony DUI Conviction: If a person has been previously convicted of a felony DUI offense, any subsequent DUI offense will also be charged as a felony. This applies even if the subsequent DUI would have otherwise been a misdemeanor.
• DUI with Injury: If a person operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes an accident resulting in serious bodily injury to another person, they can be charged with a felony DUI. Serious bodily injury is typically defined as an injury that poses a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or results in long-term impairment of bodily functions.
• Vehicular Homicide/DUI Manslaughter: If a person operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes an accident resulting in the death of another person, they can be charged with vehicular homicide or DUI manslaughter. These charges are felonies and carry severe penalties.

Consequences & Penalties of a Felony DUI in Denver

The implications of a felony DUI in Denver extend beyond the immediate legal penalties and affect various aspects of your life. In Colorado, a felony DUI conviction can include extended jail time, hefty fines, mandatory participation in drug and alcohol education programs, and the possible confiscation of your driver's license. These penalties vary greatly depending on the specifics of the offense, such as BAC levels, prior convictions, or if there was a collision or injury was involved.

Additionally, felony DUI convictions often have enduring impacts on personal and professional circumstances. Such a conviction can notably hinder your ability to secure employment or might lead to the termination of your current job, especially in professions requiring driving. Personal relationships and mental health can also suffer due to the stress and stigma attached to a felony conviction. It is crucial to work with a legal team that not only addresses the legal consequences but also provides guidance on rebuilding life post-conviction.

Challenging Your DUI Arrest with a Felony DUI Attorney

In Colorado, a DUI arrest is based on probable cause. This means that the police officer must have probable cause to believe that you were driving under the influence in order to make an arrest.

There are a number of ways that our Denver felony DUI attorneys can challenge your DUI arrest, including:

• Challenging the validity of the field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests, such as the walk and turn test, one-leg stand test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, are designed to determine if a driver is too impaired to drive. These tests are not foolproof, and an experienced Denver felony DUI lawyer can help you identify any mistakes that the police officer made during the administration of these tests.
• Challenging the results of the chemical test. Chemical tests, such as breathalyzer tests and blood tests, are administered to determine the level of alcohol or drugs in a driver's system. These tests are not foolproof, and an experienced Denver felony DUI attorney can help you identify any mistakes that the police officer made during the administration of these tests.
• Challenging the validity of the implied consent notice. If you are arrested for a felony DUI in Colorado, you will be required to submit to a chemical test to determine the level of alcohol or drugs in your system. You will be considered to have consented to these tests by driving on Colorado roads. However, the police officer must read you an implied consent notice before administering a chemical test. This notice must include information such as the consequences of refusing to submit to a chemical test and your right to consult with an attorney before submitting to the test.
• Challenging the validity of the search warrant. If the police officer arrests you for a DUI in Colorado, he or she will search your vehicle for evidence of DUI. The police officer must have probable cause to search your vehicle. An experienced Denver felony DUI lawyer can help you identify any mistakes that the police officer made during the search of your vehicle.

If you have been arrested for a felony DUI in Colorado, you need an experienced Denver felony DUI defense attorney who can help you challenge your arrest and protect your rights.

Why Early Representation Matters in a Felony DUI Case

Felony DUI charges move quickly and carry severe penalties. The earlier you involve a defense lawyer, the more opportunities you have to build a strong case. Early legal intervention allows time to investigate the scene and gather time-sensitive evidence, file suppression motions, examine the arresting officer’s conduct, challenge prior convictions, negotiate with prosecutors before charges are finalized, and explore treatment and diversion alternatives.

Speak to Our Denver Felony DUI Attorney Today

Felony DUI charges are serious, life-altering matters. Whether you're facing your fourth DUI or a charge involving serious injury or death, it’s essential to have a defense attorney who knows Colorado law and how to navigate these high-stakes cases.

Orr Law Firm has helped hundreds of clients fight felony DUI charges, restore their lives, and avoid the worst consequences of a conviction. When your freedom, livelihood, and future are on the line, a dedicated Denver felony DUI lawyer is your first and strongest line of defense.

Contact us online today or call (303) 747-4247 to request a free consultation with our felony DUI attorney in Denver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felony DUI in Denver

What Constitutes a Felony DUI in Colorado?

A felony DUI in Colorado is typically charged when a person has three prior DUI offenses, causing a fourth offense to be elevated to a felony. Additional circumstances leading to a felony charge include incidents of significant bodily injury or fatality caused while driving under the influence. The classification is designed to address habitual offenders and the increased risk their behavior poses to the community.

How Can a Felony DUI Affect My Employment Prospects?

A felony DUI can severely impact employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks that can reveal DUI convictions. Moreover, professions that require bars to driving, such as trucking or ride-sharing, may become inaccessible. The stigma attached to felony convictions can also hinder career advancement and personal reputation. It's crucial to understand these implications and discuss them with a professional who can offer strategies for mitigating the impact on your career.

Are There Defenses Available for Felony DUI Charges?

Yes, several defenses can be employed in felony DUI charges. Common defenses focus on the legality and execution of the traffic stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, and if proper arrest protocols were followed. It's vital to have legal representation that can scrutinize these aspects and identify cracks in the prosecution's case, effectively challenging the charges.

Do Felony DUI Penalties Differ Within Denver?

While DUI laws are state-mandated, local enforcement practices can vary. Denver's judicial system has a reputation for stringent enforcement, affecting court proceedings and penalties. The proximity of urban areas may also influence policing strategies and court schedules. Understanding local nuances and having a lawyer familiar with Denver's court systems can provide you with a strategic advantage when addressing a DUI offense.

What Legal Steps Should I Take After a Felony DUI Arrest?

After a felony DUI arrest, securing legal counsel should be a priority. An attorney can immediately commence the evaluation of the arrest's circumstances, file necessary motions to preserve evidence, and guide you through procedural steps. Additionally, it's important to compile accurate documentation of the event and avoid making statements without legal advice to protect your interests.