What Happens After A Dui/Dwai Arrest In Colorado?
Motor Vehicle Hearing:
To preserve your right to drive in Colorado, you must request a hearing within 7 days after your license has been taken from you by an officer or within the time set by Motor Vehicle in a revocation letter. A hearing must be initially scheduled within 60 days.
If you had a valid license when stopped, you are qualified for a temporary license to drive until the hearing. You will be mailed a notice of the hearing about three weeks after your request. You can plan on at least 45 days of driving.
If you lose at the hearing, you can not drive after the hearing. It is our opinion you should requests the officer's presence at the hearing. Crucial defenses can be developed at the hearing. It is best to make a hearing request at the main Colorado Motor Vehicle Office, 1881 Pierce Street in Lakewood.
Arraignment:
This is the date on your ticket, about 30 to 60 days after your arrest. If you have an attorney and are not on bond, you do not have to appear. It is primarily for advisement of rights. If you have an attorney, he will advise you.
Pretrial Conference:
Your attorney will discuss your case with the District Attorney and negotiate the best possible plea bargain. It will happen about 6 weeks after arraignment. This is usually after the Motor Vehicle Hearing. The date is set by the Court and your attorney on his calendar.
Suppression Hearing:
The Court may suppress some or all of the evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated. Your attorney will file motions to suppress. It occcurs anywhere 6 weeks to 3 months after the pretrial conference.
Trial:
Almost always a trial to a jury of six. Trial must be held within six months after your plea.
Sentencing:
The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences may include jail time, in home detention, public service, alcohol classes and fines.
Other Colorado Drunk Driving Defense FAQs
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Q:
Will I Go To Jail?
A: On a first offense, probably not. On second or later offenses, it becomes more probable, but an experienced attorney may be able to keep you out. -
Q:
If My Dui Is Reduced To A Dwai, What Do I Gain?
A: Not much. In Colorado both are counted as alcohol offenses (crimes) for the rest of your life. While DWAI most likely will not be considered by other states, DUI … More -
Q:
I Have Three Serious Offenses Within Seven Years, What Will Become Of My License?
A: It will be automatically revoked for five years. -
Q:
How Many Hours Of Alcohol Classes Will I Have To Take?
A: Plan on at least 2448 hours, one two hour session per week. The higher your BAC, the more hours you will have to take. -
Q:
What Will Happen If I Do Not Complete The Classes Or Public Service Ordered By The Court?
A: You will go to jail. -
Q:
I Lost My Colorado License. May I Obtain A License In Another State.
A: In most cases, no. -
Q:
If I Obtain An International Driver's License, May I Drive In Colorado, Even Though My Colorado License Is Revoked?
A: No. -
Q:
What Are The Speed Limits In Colorado?
A: Unless Otherwise Posted Absolute Interstate and state highways Prima Facie All other roads Interstate 75 mph Ltd Access Rds 65 mph Other Primary Rds 5565 mph … More -
Q:
How Are Speed Limits Enforced?
A: Enforced through use of: Pacing Yes Radar Yes Vascar Yes Photo Radar Yes Aircraft Yes Laser Yes More -
Q:
How Can Tickets Be Paid?
A: Tickets can be paid by mail or in person.
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