DUI & DWI

Denver DUI Lawyer (& DWI)

People who have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) still have rights. Don’t let an overzealous prosecutor bully you into pleading guilty for drunk driving and cause license suspension, time in jail and other consequences. You are entitled to aggressive representation in both cases that result from a DUI: the criminal case and your DMV hearing.

In order to protect your rights, the first step is to contact a qualified and experienced Denver DUI lawyer. A Colorado DUI lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, inform you of your legal options, and effectively represent you in court.

Denver DUI lawyer Christopher T. Braddock has been defending DUI and DWI clients before the DMV and criminal courts for more than 20 years. He can help you defeat your charges or reduce the consequences.

If You Are Pulled Over for Drunk Driving

Police officers are not above making mistakes. They cannot arrest someone for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) unless they have probable cause. DWI is also known as driving while ability impaired (DWAI).

To obtain the requisite probable cause, the police officer may ask you to perform roadside tests and/or submit to a portable breath test. Many people think a portable breath test is a breathalyzer, but that is a more involved test than a portable breath test.

You should refuse to perform these tests. If the police officer has probable cause that you were driving drunk, you will be arrested and asked to submit to a chemical test such as a breath (breathalyzer), blood or urine test. Evidence from these chemical tests will be used against you.

Defenses to Colorado DUI and DWI (DWAI) Charges

When it comes to choosing a DUI lawyer in Colorado, it is important to choose one who has experience and expertise in this particular area. A Denver DUI lawyer will be knowledgeable about the state’s laws and regulations surrounding driving under the influence.

Furthermore, the lawyer will be familiar with the local court systems used to handle such cases. The right Denver DUI lawyer should also have experience negotiating plea bargains and be able to defend clients in a court of law.

Benefits of a Denver DUI lawyer

There are a variety of defenses to drunk driving charges. When working with Christopher T. Braddock, he will thoroughly investigate your case to determine whether to raise any of the following in your defense:

• The officers did not have probable cause to arrest you.
• The breathalyzer test was faulty.
• There were problems with the field sobriety test.
• Your stop was not justified.

In some cases, a plea bargain may be offered. A plea bargain may reduce the charges or result in the dismissal of the case depending on the circumstances. An attorney can aid clients in making an informed decision about a plea bargain and explain the possible outcomes of the case.

Additionally, a lawyer can advocate for you in court and in a DMV hearing, which will usually occur before a court appearance. This includes arguing your legal rights and any mitigating circumstances. Your lawyer will also present your case in court and negotiate a sentence if you are found guilty.

No matter the outcome of the case, a Denver DUI lawyer will help protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case and future.

Charged for Refusing the Chemical DUI Test?

In Colorado, if you refuse to submit to chemical testing, you will lose your license for one year. At my criminal defense law office, I will do what I can to get that reduced to a shorter suspension or secure a provisional or red license for you.

Penalties for DUI and DWI

A DUI in Colorado can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Generally, a first offense is considered a traffic misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from a fine of $200 to $1,000 and additional potential penalties including license revocation and community service and probation. Depending on the severity of the incident, a driver may also be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

For subsequent offenses, the penalties become harsher. A second offense DUI or DWI is still considered a misdemeanor but with a fine of up to $1,500. On top of that, the DMV can refuse to renew a driver’s license, and the court could impose up to one year in jail.

A DUI with three or more subsequent offenses is considered a Class 4 felony, with jail time up to 6 years and 3 years parole. In some cases, a portion of the minimum mandatory jail sentence can be suspended if the person agrees to undergo an alcohol treatment program.

Facing DUI or DWI Charges? A Good Defense Starts with a Good Denver DUI Lawyer.

When it comes to serious legal matters, such as those involving a DUI, hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Denver DUI lawyer can play an important role in mitigating the severity of the consequences you may face.

If you have been arrested or charged with DUI or DWI, it is imperative that you contact a lawyer immediately. For more information or to schedule a free and confidential appointment, please contact me.

I also represent individuals accused of driving with a suspended or revoked license.