Police increase impaired/intoxicated driving patrols for the new year
If it feels like you were seeing more police out and about during the month of January, it is because you were. From the end of 2018 to a few days into the new year, there were more than 100 different law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado participating in extra enforcement of laws against impaired and intoxicated driving. Their purpose: To round up and arrest as many suspected impaired or intoxicated drivers as possible.
If you recently found yourself under arrest and accused of driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired, know that you are not alone. While the exact numbers are not yet public, last year there were over 350 DUI or DWAI arrests over the 5-day period starting on New Year’s Eve.
Is A DUI A Big Deal?
Yes. Do not just brush this under the rug. Whether this was your first drunk driving arrest, or your fourth, the potential consequences can be life-altering. All too often people think it is easier to just plead guilty, while nothing could be further from the truth.
If you plead guilty, depending on the circumstances of your case and whether or not your record includes previous impaired or intoxicated driving offenses, you could be looking at the potential of:
- Mandatory jail time
- The loss of your driver’s license
- Up to two years in a work release program
- Community service
- Probation
- Required installation of an ignition interlock device in your car
- Completion of a drug or alcohol education or treatment program
These potential consequences are all on top of having a drunk driving conviction on your criminal record and higher insurance premiums.
What Should You Do After A DUI or DWAI Arrest?
Try to remain calm. Now is not the time to panic and make rash decisions. Now is also not the time to start making statements to police. While you may think that saying you only had two drinks, or explaining that you are on a medication that makes you tired may help your case, in all reality it could end up hurting your case. You cannot just take back the statements you make to police.
Rather, now is the time to carefully explore all aspects of your arrest with a DUI defense attorney in Boulder who is well-versed in drunk driving laws in Colorado. This way you can lay everything out on the table and learn what options and creative solutions may be available for your unique situation.