Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys in Colorado Springs
Drunk Driving/DUI Overview
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding a DUI charge in Colorado Springs, an individual who is actually innocent may in fact be arrested and wrongfully charged with driving while under the influence. While there are some cases where such an arrest may be warranted, there are far too many instances of innocent drivers being charged and tried for DUI when they should not have been arrested in the first place.
Colorado DUI Arrests
A drunk driving arrest begins with the roadside stop of a driver suspected of DUI. A series of tests may be conducted to help the officer determine whether or not the driver is in fact under the influence of alcohol and was operating a vehicle while in such a state. These field sobriety tests can include standing on one leg to examine or walking a straight line to determine balance, counting backwards or speaking the alphabet to determine clarity of mind, or a variety of other tests, such as the finger-to-nose test; each test is meant to determine sobriety of the driver. Additionally, the officer may wish to conduct a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test to obtain further, more concrete evidence that the motorist is physically impaired. Unfortunately, given the sensitive nature of such devices, and the extent of training that is required to properly conduct such tests, many instances of BAC testing device use are marred with error, sometimes causing a driver to appear to have a BAC level equal to or in excess of the Colorado legal limit of 0.08%, whether the driver actually did, or not. Even less reliable are the field sobriety tests, which are judged by the officer on the scene and ultimately depend on that particular officer's opinion of what is a passing or failing performance; in sum, there is much room for an arresting officer to make some sort of error during a Colorado DUI arrest.
DUI Penalties
Being arrested for and convicted of Colorado DUI can involve repercussions that long outlast jail time or court mandated alcohol treatment programs. In addition to the significant monetary fines that are associated with being convicted of driving while under the influence, individuals found guilty of the crime may be required to perform community service, pay restitution fees to individuals adversely affected by the DUI, or may lose driving privileges on either a temporary or permanent basis. If during arrest the driver refused to submit to BAC testing, that driver is in violation of the implied consent law presumed at the time of receiving a driver's license - namely the idea that licensed drivers, in maintaining such a license, are therefore required to submit to BAC testing if asked to do so by an officer, and risk automatic license suspension, on top of other punishments if they refuse. Furthermore, the convicted motorist may be required to install an ignition interlock device in all of the vehicles that motorist plans on operating, all at the motorist's own expense. Unfortunately, loss of license may adversely affect one's ability to successfully remain gainfully employed, which could lead to further financial difficulties in the long run.
Contacting a DUI Defense Lawyer in Colorado
Fortunately, The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. aggressively represents individuals who have been accused of DUI in Colorado, and has the court room experience needed to ensure that any accused motorist is given a fair opportunity to defend either him or herself before a court of law. If you've been charged with DUI in Colorado, please don't hesitate to contact an experienced Colorado Springs DUI defense attorney today for more information about your rights as well as a free consultation of your case. Call us today at (719) 475-2555.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, DUI defense attorney Timothy Bussey provides experienced and aggressive DUI criminal defense representation for clients in El Paso County, Teller County, and Pueblo County, including the cities Colorado Springs, Monument, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Pueblo, Cripple Creek, and Castle Rock.
February 3rd, 2012