With the holidays just around the corner, now’s a great time to make sure you know how you can avoid a DUI this season. With so many parties and gatherings among family members, friends, and coworkers, consuming alcohol at any event puts you at risk of a DUI if you drive on your way home.
In Colorado, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal when one’s blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or greater, but you can still be charged even if you test below this threshold. This means that drinking any amount of alcohol before driving puts you at risk of a DUI arrest, charges, and possibly even conviction.
Remember: DUI convictions can mean jail time, fines, a revocation of your license, and other consequences depending upon the severity of your charges and whether or not you have a prior conviction.
No one wants to deal with any of that during the holidays, so here are a few tips to help you avoid a DUI:
- Find a designated sober driver before your event.
- Download a rideshare app as a backup.
- Make note of any hotels or motels within walking distance.
- Ask if your host or a nearby friend to let you stay the night.
- Make sure your prescription medication doesn’t advise against drinking alcohol.
- Don’t drive if you drink alcohol.
- Don’t get in your car if you are impaired – even if you’re trying to “sleep it off.”
What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over for DUI?
If you are pulled over and investigated for DUI, remember that all you have to do is provide the police officer with your license and registration. You do not have to answer any questions that could incriminate you – this means politely decline to answer any questions about drinking or what you were doing before getting pulled over. If you do choose to answer a police officer’s questions, do not lie.
In Colorado, field sobriety tests are voluntary. This means that you do not have to participate in any activity an officer wants to do to determine whether or not you’re sober. This includes walking in a straight line, counting, reciting the alphabet backwards, etc.
You are also not obligated to agree to a preliminary Breathalyzer test, but failing to comply with a test of your breath or blood to determine your blood alcohol concentration can result in an automatic suspension of your license under Colorado’s express consent law. This suspension can occur whether or not you’re ultimately convicted of DUI.
What Do I Do If I’m Arrested for DUI?
If you are arrested for DUI, immediately demand to invoke your right to legal counsel. Having legal guidance during this time is crucial to making the right decisions that could shield you from unfair investigation techniques that could further implicate you in a crime for which you may not actually be responsible.
We at Orr Law Firm have helped many previous clients beat or diminish their charges after getting arrested for DUI. Learn more about what we may be able to do for you by getting in touch with us today.
Contact us online or call (303) 747-4247 immediately to get legal assistance.