DUI Information
How Hands-Free Laws Are Changing DUI Stop Dynamics in Colorado
Colorado’s hands-free driving law is reshaping how DUI investigations begin. What starts as a stop for holding a phone can quickly become a full DUI case if an officer observes signs of impairment, like slurred speech, alcohol odor, or erratic behavior. This overlap between distracted driving and suspected intoxication raises key questions about probable cause, [...]
Refusal Consequences in Colorado: What Actually Happens After Saying ‘No’ to Testing?
Refusing a chemical test during a Colorado DUI stop may feel like a smart move in the moment, but it immediately sets off serious legal and administrative penalties. Under Colorado’s Express Consent Law (C.R.S. § 42-2-126), every driver automatically agrees to submit to chemical testing when lawfully arrested for suspected DUI. Saying “no” triggers instant [...]
Failed Breath Test but Sober? How to Prove Mouth Alcohol or GERD in Colorado
It’s possible to fail a DUI breath test in Colorado even when you’re completely sober. Conditions like acid reflux, GERD, or hiatal hernia can cause mouth alcohol that distorts breathalyzer results, making it seem like your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit when it’s not. The alcohol vapors rising from your stomach [...]
2025 Colorado DUI Sentencing Trends: What Judges Prioritize Now
Over the past decade, Colorado courts have shifted their approach to driving under the influence sentencing, focusing less on punishment and more on rehabilitation. Judges today recognize that alcohol dependency is often a health issue that needs treatment, not just incarceration. Instead of defaulting to jail time, courts now emphasize recovery through structured programs designed [...]
Colorado DWAI vs. ‘Per Se’ DUI: How Impairment Is Proven Without 0.08% BAC
Colorado has two different drunk driving charges that work in separate ways. The standard In Colorado, you don’t need a 0.08% BAC to face drunk driving charges. The state recognizes two separate offenses: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), and the difference between them can mean serious consequences. A DWAI [...]
Ways to Secure Your Cell Phone from the Police in Colorado
Many people in Colorado are concerned about protecting the privacy of their smartphone data. While the Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches, interacting with law enforcement can still be complicated. Police must follow legal rules to access your phone, but there are practical steps you can take to keep your information secure. Understanding how to [...]
