Officers often use field sobriety tests if they suspect a driver is under the influence of a substance. There are two primary types: standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests. In this post, we will examine how these two tests differ.
What is the true cost of a DUI in Colorado?
Even one drunk driving mistake can result in a variety of consequences. If a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction affects your driving privileges, it can limit your ability to keep up with your daily responsibilities, like driving to work, picking your kids up from school or traveling to the grocery store.
A DUI conviction may even affect your job opportunities and personal relationships. However, a DUI conviction will almost certainly affect your finances.
The ongoing pandemic is presenting challenges for courtrooms
Few of us could have predicted the impact that the ongoing pandemic would have on every aspect of our lives. From stay-at-home orders to virtual offices and the wearing of masks to go out in public, we are confronted with seemingly new challenges every day.
The legal system certainly hasn’t been immune from the reach of pandemic-related precautions. The ban on jury trials presents significant challenges to both lawyers and clients alike.
Colorado looking at stiff fines for mental health violations
Colorado could be facing millions of dollars in fines for people charged with a crime who are stuck in jail while waiting for mental health services. The state is likely to hit the $10 million maximum set by a federally enforced civil agreement.
The ongoing pandemic is partly to blame, as the wait list for mental competency evaluations doubled in mid-April. However, Colorado’s struggles with addressing mental health issues in the criminal justice system go back much further.
Can I get a DUI if I wasn't actually driving?
You've gone out to the bar or to a friend's house and have had a few drinks. You decide to call it a night and as you're driving home you realize you're more impaired than you think. You believe that the responsible thing to do is to pull over and sleep it off. You're rudely awakened by flashing lights and suddenly find yourself placed under arrest for suspicion of drunk driving.
Wait a minute. Doesn't the "D" in DUI stand for driving? You know this is a legal issue when the answer is, "Yes, but with exceptions." The exception concerns whether you were in actual physical control of the vehicle at the time of your arrest.
The fundamentals of a Colorado criminal mischief charge
Smashing a car window out of anger. Defacing a business by spraying graffiti across its entrance. Starting a fire that destroys a homeowner’s property. Slashing the tires of a municipal or school bus.
As varied as all those acts are, isn’t there something fundamentally similar about them?
Fireworks, holiday celebrations and … a spike in DUI arrests
Legions of Coloradans have likely scanned a calendar recently and concluded that the Fourth of July holiday this year lays out just about perfectly.
That is, it’s this upcoming Saturday, which means it will spell time off for most residents on Friday.
Key update re pot in Colorado’s final 2020 legislative session
Last week spelled the end for Colorado’s fiscal year 2020 General Assembly session.
It came with a bit of drama.
Issuance of a restraining order merits close attention
We note at the established Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associate that, "A restraining order is frustrating, but violating it is not the solution."
In fact, challenging a restraining order in any fashion without close input from proven legal counsel can be a recipe for disaster.
How a Left Lane Law violation can quickly turn into a big deal
You have likely heard about Colorado’s Left Lane Law. Established in 2004, it is one of the strictest rules in the country when it comes to regulating passing and non-passing lanes on highways. Its purpose is to prevent drivers from cruising continuously in the leftmost lane of these roads.
Accidentally remaining in this passing lane too long seems like a minor infraction. But here in Colorado, it can have real consequences.
