Three days of fun, family, friends — and enhanced DUI patrols. That’s what Memorial Day weekend meant for many driving out of Denver to enjoy the wild wonders of Colorado. Unfortunately, those enhanced patrols resulted in a number of arrests across the state, including 33 people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, the Denver Police Department reported.
Across the state, 261 people were taken into custody for DUI. While that’s a big number, it’s much lower than last year’s 408 arrests over Memorial Day.
Last year Denver drivers fared quite a bit worse, too, with 54 arrests; more than 60 percent higher than this year’s total.
The Aurora Police Department barely trailed Denver’s force in 2015 arrest, logging in 29 DUI drivers, according to the Department of Transportation. Right behind was the Colorado Springs Police Department with 26 busts.
The only other double-digit arrest total in the state was in Fort Collins, where 11 drivers were cited for DUI offenses.
Those arrested now how to face the legal system; no easy task. Plus, they also have the Department of Motor Vehicles to contend with; again, it’s not a place where people go to have fun.
For those found guilty of drunken driving, sentences can include time in jail, fees, fines, license suspension, increased auto insurance rates and more. The “more” includes mandatory installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device (at your expense) and required attendance at alcohol education classes.
Add it all up and it’s not surprising that many people seek to minimize the damage of a DUI by turning to an experienced defense attorney for help in negotiating with prosecutors and for representation at DMV hearings. In many situations, charges can be reduced or dropped entirely, easing the impact on your life.