There are a wide range of impacts being accused of DUI could end up having on a person. For one, such accusations can affect how friends, neighbors and professional colleagues view the person. Then, of course, there are the penalties the courts and the state can level against the person if the person is ultimately found to have committed DUI. Here in Colorado, individuals found guilty of DUI can face both criminal and administrative penalties. Some examples criminal penalties for DUI are jail time, fines and public service requirements. One example of an administrative penalty for DUI is a license suspension.
One of the things that can increase the possible criminal and administrative penalties a person suspected of DUI could face if found guilty is if the person has any prior convictions for DUI on their record. For example, if a DUI defendant has one prior DUI on their record, the following increases occur in the penalties they could face if convicted:
- The fine range shifts from $600-$1,000 to $600-$1,500.
- The jail sentence range shifts from 5 days-1 year to 10 days-1 year.
- The public service requirement range shifts from 48 hours-96 hours to 48 hours-120 hours.
- The license suspension length increases from 9 months to 12 months.
Thus, while the stakes are high in any Colorado DUI case, they can be particularly high in cases involving individuals accused of being repeat offenders. Thus, it is rather easy for being accused of being a repeat DUI offender to fill a person with dread and worry.
When a person is accused of committing a repeat DUI offense, it can be very important for them to not panic or lose their head. Promptly speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help a person facing such accusations get a better idea of what exactly they are facing and what they can do in regards to defending themselves against the allegations leveled against them.
Source: Office of Legislative Legal Services, “Law Summary – Colorado Drunk Driving Laws,” Accessed Nov. 20, 2014