Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
In Aurora, like the rest of Colorado, drunk driving offenses are treated as serious crimes with both criminal penalties and administrative license actions. The core offenses are Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), which hinge on blood alcohol content (BAC) and impairment levels. Aurora police officers enforce these laws through traffic stops, field sobriety testing, and chemical testing where permitted by law.
Penalties typically include fines, license suspensions or revocations, mandatory courses, and possible jail time for repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances. In many cases, ignition interlock devices may be required for license reinstatement or as a condition of probation. The combined impact of criminal charges and driving privileges can affect your employment, housing, and personal life for years.
Your best approach is to speak with a Colorado attorney who understands how DUI and DWAI charges are handled in Aurora’s municipal and county court system. An attorney can evaluate the facts, advise you on potential defenses, and guide you through both the criminal case and the license-related processes. For Aurora residents, local familiarity with the city’s police practices and court expectations can be a real advantage.
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatalities on U.S. roads and is a focus area for enforcement and prevention efforts nationwide.
Colorado law defines DUI and DWAI in the Colorado Revised Statutes and governs enforcement, penalties, and licensing consequences across the state, including Aurora.
You were arrested for DUI with a BAC near or above 0.08 percent and your breathing, blood, or field sobriety tests may be challenged. An attorney can review how the tests were administered, the calibration of devices, and whether officers followed protocol during the stop.
Your breath test results were suppressed or you obtained an implied consent refusal. A lawyer can advocate for admissibility issues and help you pursue avenues to avoid automatic license suspensions tied to refusals.
You face a DWAI charge for impairment without a 0.08 BAC, possibly due to medications or drugs. An attorney can investigate whether impairment proof meets Colorado standards and whether alternative defenses exist.
You were involved in a crash with injuries or fatalities. A DUI or DWAI with aggravating factors can lead to enhanced penalties; a lawyer can negotiate charges or seek alternatives to maximize outcomes.
You have a prior DUI or multiple prior offenses in Aurora or nearby counties. Repeat offenses often carry stiffer penalties and mandatory license actions; an attorney can tailor a strategy to protect your rights and minimize consequences.
Your driver’s license is suspended or your employer requires you to maintain driving privileges. A lawyer can manage the administrative hearing process, seek reinstatement options, and minimize downtime.
You are under 21 and face Colorado’s zero tolerance for alcohol in motor vehicle operation. An attorney can explain how underage drinking penalties interact with DUI charges and steps for defense or mitigation.
DUI statute - Driving Under the Influence. This Colorado Revised Statute prohibits operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that your ability to drive is impaired. Offenses range from first-time to aggravated DUI depending on BAC, impairment evidence, and any injuries or fatalities caused. Penalties typically include fines, jail time, and license consequences, with additional conditions for offender rehabilitation.
DWAI statute - Driving While Ability Impaired. This statute covers impairment when your ability to drive is affected by alcohol or drugs but BAC may be below 0.08 percent. DWAI generally carries lighter penalties than a DUI, but repeat DWAI offenses can escalate to higher fines and longer license suspensions.
Implied Consent for Chemical Testing - Colorado’s Implied Consent Law requires motorists lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine). Refusal can trigger administrative license suspensions independent of any criminal case. This law supports enforcement while highlighting the importance of pre-arrest and post-arrest rights discussions with your counsel.
Recent statewide trends emphasize enhanced enforcement and evolving penalties for DUIs and DWAL offenses, including consideration of high BAC levels and related aggravating circumstances. In Aurora, cases are handled through municipal courts for some city code violations and through district courts for more serious offenses arising from county jurisdictions, often in Arapahoe or Adams counties depending on where the arrest occurs.
Note: The information above reflects Colorado-wide statutes and practice, which apply to Aurora. For precise statutory citations and the latest amendments, refer to official sources listed in the Citations and Resources section.
NHTSA emphasizes that impaired driving is the primary contributor to alcohol-related crashes and remains a focus of national enforcement efforts.
Colorado law codifies DUI and DWAI offenses under the Colorado Revised Statutes and is applied statewide, including in Aurora.
UIs and DWAI are distinct offenses with different impairment thresholds and penalties. DUI requires impairment or a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher for most adults. DWAI covers impairment below 0.08 BAC or impairment from drugs alone.
Begin with a consultation, bring arrest reports, any BAC results, and the charge paperwork. Ask about local experience, potential defenses, and anticipated timelines for court appearances.
No, your attorney can appear on your behalf for many initial proceedings. You may still need to attend certain hearings, especially for plea negotiations or sentencing.
Yes. An attorney can challenge the administrative license suspension or negotiate conditions for license reinstatement, such as temporary driving privileges or proof of ignition interlock use.
Penalties vary by case, but first offenses can include fines, probation, license suspension, and mandatory education or treatment. Jail time is possible in certain circumstances.
Criminal timelines vary, but many cases resolve within a few months through plea or trial. Administrative license actions can occur on arrest and may run concurrently with the criminal case.
Yes. A defense can focus on device calibration, operator training, and whether the test was administered correctly. Blood tests may serve as an alternative or corroborating measure.
Yes. DWAI charges still carry penalties and license consequences. An attorney can evaluate defenses, negotiate reductions, and protect your rights.
Obtain your official arrest records, contact a local DUI attorney, and avoid discussing the case with others before consulting counsel. Do not discuss the events with the police without counsel present.
Costs vary by case complexity, lawyer experience, and court fees. Expect consultation fees plus potential retainer arrangements; ask for a written estimate during the initial meeting.
Timeline depends on suspension length, court outcomes, and any required tests or devices. Your attorney can guide you through the exact steps and deadlines.
DUIs can affect driving requirements, background checks, and job offers. An attorney can negotiate settlement terms or remedies in some cases to minimize career disruption.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Provides national data, safety tips, and resources on drunk driving prevention. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/drunk-driving
Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) - Statewide information on DUI enforcement, testing, and safety policies. https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dps
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) - Information on road safety, impaired driving campaigns, and data. https://www.codot.gov
Aurora Police Department - Local enforcement information and community resources for DUI concerns in Aurora. https://www.auroragov.org
Document your arrest and collect all case materials within 24 hours of contact with counsel. Request copies of all police reports, breath tests, and video footage where available.
Schedule an initial consultation with a Colorado DUI attorney in Aurora within 3-7 days after arrest. Bring any BAC results, notice of hearings, and the charging documents.
Ask about potential defenses, including testing procedures, officer observations, and site-specific factors at the time of the stop. Request a clear plan for court dates and licensing timelines.
Discuss license consequences with your attorney. Determine whether you qualify for temporary driving privileges and what steps are needed for reinstatement.
Develop a sentencing or plea strategy with your attorney, focusing on minimizing jail time, fines, and long-term license impacts. Consider probation, treatment, or educational programs if applicable.
Monitor deadlines for court appearances and administrative actions. Ensure you meet all requirements to avoid additional penalties or automatic suspensions.
Review all outcomes with your attorney and plan for potential appeals or post-conviction relief if needed. Keep ongoing records of contact with authorities and any compliance steps.
