Arapahoe County Courthouse - Arapahoe County DUI Defense Attorney in Aurora, CO

Arapahoe County DUI Attorney

Protecting Your Rights After a DUI Arrest in Aurora and Arapahoe County

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Facing a DUI Charge in Arapahoe County? Don’t Wait.

A single arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) in Arapahoe County can carry severe consequences—including jail, fines, driver’s license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). These consequences extend far beyond the courtroom, potentially damaging your career, employment prospects, personal freedom, and family life.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, our Arapahoe County DUI attorney understands that each DUI case is different. We provide aggressive, strategic defense from Aurora to Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, and beyond. With our local court knowledge and DUI-specific expertise, we work tirelessly to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.

Arapahoe County Justice Center – Centennial, Colorado

The Arapahoe County Justice Center is the primary courthouse for criminal matters, including DUI cases, felony charges, and many misdemeanor hearings.

Arapahoe County Justice Center Information (Colorado Judicial Branch)

Most DUI cases that are filed at the county level will be heard at this location. Felony arraignments, pretrial hearings, and jury trials also take place here. If you are facing a serious DUI charge such as vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, your case will be processed at the Justice Center.

Colorado DUI vs. DWAI: What’s the Difference?

In Colorado, impaired driving charges fall into two main categories: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). While both are criminal offenses under C.R.S. 42-4-1301, the difference often comes down to your level of impairment.

  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
    A DUI applies when your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if you are substantially impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Prosecutors don’t need a BAC test if they can prove impairment through officer observations, field sobriety tests, or other evidence.

  • DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired)
    A DWAI can be charged with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.079%, or anytime an officer believes your ability to drive was affected “to the slightest degree.” Even if you are below the legal DUI limit, you can still face DWAI charges.

Why the Distinction Matters

Although DWAI is generally considered less severe than DUI, both carry serious consequences:

  • DWAI Penalties: Possible jail time (up to 180 days for a first offense), fines, community service, and 8 DMV points.

  • DUI Penalties: Harsher jail ranges, higher fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and 12 DMV points.

The difference between a DWAI and DUI can also affect long-term consequences such as insurance rates, background checks, and future sentencing if you reoffend.  Our Arapahoe County DUI attorney has experience representing individuals charges with all levels of charges.

Typical DUI Enforcement Process

  1. Traffic Stop: An officer notices signs of impairment—like weaving, slow speed, or erratic braking.

  2. Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): Standardized exercises used to create probable cause.

  3. Preliminary Breath Test (PBT): Administered roadside to estimate BAC.

  4. Arrest & Chemical Testing: Upon arrest, you’re required to submit to evidentiary testing (breath, blood, or urine) under Colorado’s implied consent law.

  5. Criminal and Administrative Proceedings: Your case is handled both in court and with the DMV, affecting your criminal record and driving status.

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Our Arapahoe County DUI attorney is here to help. We’ll review your situation and explain your options — all at no cost and with no obligation.
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Penalties for DUI/DWAI in Colorado

First DUI (or DWAI)

  • Misdemeanor charge

  • 5 days to 1 year in jail

  • $600 to $1,000 in fines

  • 48 to 96 hours of community service

  • 12 DMV points

  • Driver’s license suspension (~9 months)

  • IID installation options for limited driving

  • Mandatory alcohol education

Second Offense (within 5 years)

  • Misdemeanor

  • 10 days to 1 year in jail

  • $600 to $1,500 in fines

  • 48 to 120 hours of community service

  • 1-year license revocation

  • IID mandatory for 2 years

  • 12 DMV points

  • Probation, counseling, possible SCRAM monitoring

Third Offense

  • Often a Class 4 felony

  • 60 days to 1 year in jail

  • $600 to $1,500 in fines

  • 2-year license revocation

  • IID for 2 years

  • Probation (2–4 years)

  • Community service

  • Alcohol education and 90 days alcohol monitoring

Fourth or Subsequent DUI

  • Automatically considered a Class 4 felony

  • 2 to 6 years in prison

  • $2,000 to $500,000 in fines

  • 2-year license revocation

  • Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) designation

  • Mandatory IID and treatment

These figures reflect both criminal penalties and DMV-related consequences, including license points and limitations on driving privileges.

Administrative Penalties via the DMV

Even if the criminal case resolves favorably, Defendants face revocation through Colorado Express Consent.  The DMV separately imposes administrative sanctions:

  • First DUI: 9-month suspension, 12 DMV points

  • Second DUI: 1-year suspension, 12 DMV points

  • Third or More: 2-year suspension, 12 DMV points

  • DWAI: 8 DMV points instead of 12

  • Under-21 offenders (UDD): License suspensions from 3 months to a year with varying points

Failure to attend administrative hearings or install IID according to directions can result in extended suspensions or criminal consequences.

DUI cases in Colorado also involve an administrative process through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you fail or refuse a breath or blood test, you must request a DMV hearing within 7 days to challenge your license revocation.

Colorado DMV – Administrative Hearings

These hearings are separate from criminal court proceedings but are critical for protecting your driving privileges.

How our Arapahoe County DUI Attorney can help

  1. Immediate Legal Response
    You need a defense strategy from the beginning—before evidence solidifies or reviews close.

  2. Challenge Stops & Testing
    We review traffic stop legality, FST administration, equipment calibration, and chain of custody issues.

  3. Negotiate with Prosecutors
    Many DUI cases resolve through plea bargaining to DWAI or reduced penalties when evidence is weak or mitigating factors exist.

  4. Alternative Sentencing Options
    In some first or second offenses, deferred judgment, diversion, or treatment-focused resolutions may avoid convictions.

  5. Trial Advocacy
    When necessary, we stand ready to fight your case in court—challenging every step of the prosecution’s process.

We tailor your defense based on your history, facts of the arrest, and your long-term goals—whether that means keeping your record clean, retaining your license, or avoiding jail time.

Your Rights, Protected from Day One

From your first contact with law enforcement:

  • Right to remain silent—protect yourself from self-incrimination.

  • Right to counsel—don’t talk to prosecutors or investigators without legal support.

  • Presumption of innocence—the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our Arapahoe County DUI attorney asserts and protect these rights throughout your case.

Why Local Experience Matters in Arapahoe County

  • Familiarity with DUI policies in Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, Littleton, and beyond

  • Relationships with local prosecutors and clerks—making negotiation smoother

  • Knowledge of  Arapahoe County and District Court protocols

When a DUI charge threatens your future, a local defense attorney is your best chance at limiting consequences and preserving your rights.

What You Should Know Now

  • Time is critical: There’s a short window to request DMV hearing and preserve driving privileges

  • You have rights: Decline roadside testing when applicable; consult an attorney before submitting to evidentiary tests

  • Even “low BAC” cases are dangerous: DWAI charges carry significant penalties

  • Collateral damage is real: Insurance costs, employment impact, personal stress, and traveling restrictions often exceed legal penalties

Contact a Defense Lawyer in Arapahoe County Today

If you’ve been pulled over and charged—or suspect you will be—don’t delay. A DUI arrest triggers both criminal and administrative consequences. Acting quickly can preserve your rights, license, and future.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we offer free consultations and immediate assistance across Aurora, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, and surrounding areas. Whether this is your first offense or you’re facing escalating charges, our Arapahoe County DUI attorney is prepared to defend your case aggressively and intelligently.

Call today to get the defense you deserve.

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Areas of Practice

Protect Your Rights

Service Areas

  • Denver County
  • Arapahoe County
  • Adams County
  • Douglas County
  • Jefferson County

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Contact Information

Address

2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865 Aurora, CO 80014

Contact

lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment

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