Colorado DUI Record Search

It is illegal to drive a vehicle in Colorado while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). If a blood test or breath test shows a drivers blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be .08 then they are charged with a DUI. When the test reveal a BAC of .17 or higher, then the driver is considered a persistent drunk driver and can face higher penalties than normal.

For a first DUI conviction in Colorado, a driver will spend a minimum of 5 days in jail, though the sentence can last up to 1 year. In some cases, the court can assign the offending driver to an alcohol treatment program instead of sentencing them to jail. They will also have to pay a fine in the range of $600 to $1,000. Their license will be suspended for a minimum of 9 months, and 12 points will be added to their driving record. On top of these penalties, a DUI conviction earns the driver 48 to 96 hours of community service.

In Colorado there is also a driving while ability is impaired (DWAI) charge for driving after drinking or doing drugs. A driver will be charged with a DWAI if their BAC falls between .05 and .08. The penalties for a DWAI are somewhat less than those of a DUI. The jail term is 48 hours to 180 days, and the fine is between $200 and $500. The drivers license will not be suspended, though 8 points will be put on their record. The community service obligation is also lowered to 24 to 48 hours.

DUI / DWI facts and statistics in Colorado

• In 2017, 16 out of the 177 driving fatalities due to DUI / DWI were driven by drivers under the age of 21

• In the same year, 239 out of the 23,664 offenders caught for DUI / DWI were under the age of 18

• In 2018, 19 out of the 188 driving fatalities due to DUI / DWI were driven by drivers under the age of 21

• In the same year, 217 out of the 20,353 offenders caught for DUI / DWI were under the age of 18

source: responsibility.org, fbi.gov