Summit County, Colorado DUI Attorneys

A drinking and driving violation in Colorado is referred to as DUI – Driving Under the Influence or DWAI – Driving While Ability Impaired, depending on the motorist’s blood alcohol content. Both are serious charges that could result in a permanent criminal record. You should be concerned enough about your future to want to keep your record clean, and the Summit County, Colorado DUI Attorneys at Reliance Legal Service can help.

Reliance Legal exclusively practices Colorado DUI and DWAI defense, and they offer a combination of personalized service and an aggressive legal defense. The Silverthorne DUI Lawyers at Reliance Legal Service have a proven record of success and they will provide straight-forward answers throughout your case.

The process of defending against a DUI is like maneuvering a maze. It takes experience, special insight and a knowledge of Colorado DUI laws to be successful. Fortunately you do not have to do it alone.

For immediate help, contact Summit County DUI Criminal Defense Lawyers Reliance Legal Service by filling out the consultation request form to the left or calling (303) 495-5218. The initial review of your case is free.

Difference between DUI and DWAI

A DUI in Colorado is defined as having a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. It is a 12-point driving offense, and, according to Colorado law, the accumulation of 12 points in a 12 month time frame will result in your license being suspended. DWAI is charged when a motorist registers a blood alcohol content between .05% and .0799%. It is an 8-point offense, so your driver’s license will only be suspended if you have other driving violations, like speeding or reckless driving, on your current record. There are exceptions, and the Silverthorne, Colorado DUI Attorneys at Reliance Legal can explain the details of your specific case.

About your driver’s license

Note that being arrested for drunk driving in Colorado will result in two cases. One is a criminal case that is resolved in the court system. The other is a civil case involving the Department of Motor Vehicles and your driving privileges.

During a DUI arrest the police will confiscate your driver’s license at the scene after determining a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. With a DWAI charge, the DMV will determine if your driving point penalties warrant suspension of your license and they will issue a notice to you. There are a few conditions that can impact the terms and duration of your license suspension, such as whether you refused to take a breath or blood test or have any prior DUI arrests, but the common effect is that once you receive notification of a license suspension you have only 7 days to request a DMV hearing and try to save your driving privileges. If you do not petition the DMV within those seven days you will automatically lose your license, and it is extremely difficult to get them to reconsider.

You stand a better chance of keeping your driving privileges by having the Summit County DUI Lawyers at Reliance Legal represent you at the DMV hearing. It is another reason to contact them quickly and get the help and answers you need to successfully fight your Colorado DUI.

DUI and DWAI Penalties

The consequences of being convicted of DUI vary depending on the level of blood alcohol content, whether there was an accident with injury and whether you have previous drunk driving arrests. Generally a first time offender can expect to perform community service, attend alcohol education or therapy classes, pay fines and court costs and spend some time in jail. You will also be placed on probation.

Colorado does not allow expungement of records after successful completion of the terms of probation. This means if you are found guilty of DUI you will have a permanent criminal record. Having experienced legal representation could result in a lesser charge, fewer penalties and possibly even dismissal of the charges. Protect your future and contact the Silverthorne DUI Attorneys at Reliance Legal Service for more information.

About Reliance Legal Service

The Summit County, Colorado DUI Lawyers at Reliance Legal Service are committed to providing their clients with thorough and professional legal representation.

Reliance Legal Service will represent you through all phases of your DUI case. During pre-trial hearings they will negotiate with the district attorney to see if the charges can be reduced or dismissed. If you elect not to take the prosecution’s offer, the Silverthorne, Colorado DUI Lawyers at Reliance Legal will set a suppression hearing to challenge the evidence against you. Following that there is the option of a jury trial. Throughout the case, Reliance Legal Service will be paying exhaustive attention to detail to secure the best possible results for you.

Lead attorney Heidi Anderson

Heidi Anderson started Reliance Legal to help people charged with Colorado DUI/DWAI. Experience can make a difference and Heidi has been involved with hundreds of DUI cases. She also brings unique training to your defense, including certification in administration of Standard Field Sobriety Tests and use of the Intoxilyzer 5000 EN.

DUI Lawyer Heidi Anderson is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, the National College of DUI Defense, the Colorado Bar Association and the Continental Divide Bar Association.

Fees and Payments

The fees for defending against a DUI/DWAI vary with factors unique to each case. Reliance Legal Service offers competitive rates and can establish an installment pay plan for your convenience. The law firm accepts personal checks and Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards for payment of services. Military discounts are available.