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Colorado law enforcement is generally vigilant about seeking out and stopping drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs all year. However, there are times when state authorities crack down on drivers who may be committing DUI and DWAI. Holidays – especially in the warmer months – are perceived as a breeding ground for drivers to head out on the road under the influence. While enforcement is designed to enhance safety, drivers still have a right to lodge a strong defense against these allegations.
Over the weekend of July 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) combined with law enforcement agencies to enforce the DUI laws. Because people have been limited in their activities during the situation engulfing the nation, there was a likelihood that celebrating the holiday lead to DUIs. The enforcement period was set to last through the weekend.
In 2019, 311 people were arrested and charged with DUI. Along with the crackdown, CDOT has a campaign encouraging drivers to use a breathalyzer on their smartphone to check if they surpass the legal limit for alcohol in the system. These tactics are designed to make the roads safer, but it is also possible that checkpoints and officers being ordered to keep a close watch for drivers who might be under the influence could lead to arrests that otherwise would not and should not have been made.
Drivers who are arrested and charged with DUI or DWAI should be cognizant of the litany of penalties they may face. Jail time, fines and a driver’s license suspension are all possible. There are ancillary penalties people might not initially think about, but can cause challenges in their lives including raised insurance rates, the need to have an ignition interlock device installed on the vehicle, a record of having a DUI and more. These can harm the person’s future with job prospects, schooling and other endeavors.
While law enforcement may use a breathalyzer test, a blood test and other methods to determine if a driver was under the influence, there are ways to combat the charges and gain an acquittal. Perhaps the traffic stop was not justified. The machine might not have been properly serviced and could therefore be inaccurate. With crackdowns, some traffic stops could have been made just to adhere to the order to search for drivers who might be under the influence even if there were no violations and no indications that the driver was drunk or drugged. The driver may not have been under the influence at all and there is a viable reason for appearing to have been so.
After a DUI or DWAI arrest, it is essential to understand the necessary steps to create a strong defense. This is true for people of any age as a conviction can impact them differently. With an effective defense, the charges may be reduced or dropped completely. Calling for a consultation with an experienced legal professional who understands DUI/DWAI and criminal defense may be critical to a satisfactory outcome.
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