Colorado is among the states that have created a lesser offense to DUI, called DWAI, meant to ensnare and convict motorists who were not guilty of driving with a BAC of .08 or above. An offense of Driving while Ability Impaired (DWAI) can be charged if a driver tests between .05 and .08.
Additionally, a driver can be found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) even with a BAC below .08, if it can be shown driving abilities were adversely affected by alcohol or drugs. In order to maximize the number of arrests and resulting court revenue, the state has also created a “Baby DUI,” which permits charges to be filed against drivers younger than the legal drinking age of 21 who test with virtually any amount of alcohol in their system, beginning at just .02.
Any of these charges are likely to result in targeting by law enforcement and frequent future traffic stops. And, regardless of whether you are convicted of DUI or DWAI, either charge counts as a prior offense, significantly enhancing the penalties of another conviction.
Nobody plans to get arrested for drunk driving once, let alone repeatedly. Yet the surest way to get re-arrested is to have a drunk driving conviction on your record, which will likely lead to frequent stops and targeting by law enforcement.
A first offense is also the easiest to beat, or to win a reduction of the charges. For these reasons, experienced drunk driving defense attorneys in Denver always advise clients to fight the charges in court.
Those facing charges should consult with a drunk driving defense lawyer in Denver or the surrounding areas, including Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Ken Caryl, Columbine, Golden, Lakewood, Broomfield, and Arvada.
Call drunk driving defense lawyer James Colgan for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 720-909-6425 today.