If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Denver, you may be wondering how it will affect your driver’s license. DUI charges are a serious matter in Colorado, and the consequences can impact your ability to drive for a long period of time. A DUI conviction could result in a suspended or revoked driver’s license, but there are several factors that influence how long this will last and what options you may have to get back on the road. Understanding these consequences and the steps you need to take is crucial, as it can help you navigate through a potentially stressful and overwhelming situation.
The Impact of a First-Time DUI Offense 
When you are arrested for DUI in Denver, your driver’s license is automatically affected. This is due to Colorado’s implied consent law, which states that by driving a vehicle, you have already agreed to submit to chemical testing if asked by law enforcement. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test or a blood test during your arrest, it can trigger automatic license penalties. The length of your license suspension depends on various factors such as whether this is your first offense, whether you refused a chemical test, and whether you have any prior DUI convictions.
If this is your first DUI offense, the consequences may not be as severe as for repeat offenders. Typically, a first-time DUI offender faces a suspension of their driver’s license for up to nine months. However, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to obtain a restricted license during this time, allowing you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. This restricted license enables you to maintain some degree of independence while serving the suspension period. The duration of the suspension depends on the specifics of the case, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at the time of the arrest.
What Happens If You Refuse a Chemical Test
If you refused to take a chemical test when asked by law enforcement, your case may be more complicated. Under Colorado’s express consent law, refusing a chemical test automatically results in a longer license suspension, usually lasting one year. The suspension will take effect whether or not you are convicted of DUI, making refusal a very serious decision with long-term consequences. If you are a first-time offender and refuse a chemical test, your license could be suspended for up to one year. Even if you eventually get your license reinstated, you may still face significant penalties including the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
Understanding the Ignition Interlock Device Requirement
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer system installed in your vehicle that requires you to blow into it before the car will start. If the device detects alcohol on your breath, the car will not start. This device is often required after a DUI conviction or when certain conditions, like refusing a chemical test, apply. The IID must remain installed for a specific period as determined by the court or the DMV, even if you eventually have your driving privileges reinstated. For some individuals, the IID installation may be a requirement for getting a restricted license as part of their DUI penalty.
How to Contest a License Suspension
In some cases, individuals charged with DUI may seek to challenge the suspension of their driver’s license. In Colorado, you have a limited time to request a hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension. If you don’t act quickly, your license suspension will take effect automatically. You have just seven days from the date of your arrest to request this hearing. Failure to do so means you lose the opportunity to challenge the suspension. This hearing is crucial, as it allows you to present evidence and make arguments in favor of keeping your driver’s license. Having an experienced DUI attorney by your side can help improve your chances of successfully contesting the suspension.
The Process of Reinstating Your License
If you do not contest the suspension or if the DMV hearing results in a ruling that upholds the suspension, you will need to fulfill certain requirements to have your license reinstated. These requirements often include completing a DUI education program, paying reinstatement fees, and possibly installing an ignition interlock device. In some cases, you may also need to complete community service or attend counseling. Once all these conditions are met, you may be able to apply for the reinstatement of your driver’s license.
The reinstatement process can be complicated and time-consuming. Depending on your case, you may be required to demonstrate that you have completed all the necessary programs and met all the required conditions before your license is fully restored. This is why it’s important to stay on top of the steps you need to take and maintain records of any required programs you’ve completed. If you fail to comply with these requirements, your license could remain suspended, and you may face additional penalties.
Why You Need Legal Assistance
One of the most important things to remember when dealing with DUI charges in Denver is that you don’t have to go through this process alone. Consulting with an experienced DUI defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and ensure that you are taking the right steps to protect your driving privileges. They can also assist you in challenging the license suspension and may help you explore alternatives such as restricted licenses or hardship permits.
If you are convicted of DUI in Denver, you may face significant consequences, not only in terms of your driver’s license but also with regard to criminal penalties. A DUI conviction could result in fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, and in some cases, even jail time. These penalties can have a lasting impact on your life, so it’s crucial to take every possible step to defend your rights and minimize the consequences.
Hebets & McCallin P.C. offers comprehensive legal representation for individuals facing DUI charges in Denver. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of DUI laws in Colorado and can help guide you through the legal process. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case, including minimizing the impact on your driving privileges. If you are facing a DUI charge and are concerned about the potential loss of your driver’s license, contact Hebets & McCallin P.C. for a free consultation. We can help you understand your options and work with you to defend your case.
