Colorado Third DUI Attorney

Aggressive Representation for Repeat DUI Charges in the Denver Metro Area

Arrested for a Third DUI in Colorado? You’re Facing Serious Consequences

If you’ve been charged with a third DUI in Colorado, you’re no longer in first-offense territory—courts impose mandatory jail, strict probation, and long-term driver’s license consequences. These cases are handled with far less leniency, and judges often focus more on punishment than rehabilitation.

At the Lawrence Law Firm, our DUI defense attorney has handled thousands of cases across Aurora, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, and the greater Denver metro area. We fight aggressively to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and pursue the best possible outcome for your unique case.

Third DUI Charges Often Involve Prior Convictions from Any State

Colorado law treats any prior alcohol- or drug-related driving conviction—whether from Colorado or another state—as relevant for sentencing. This includes:

There is no time limit on prior convictions. A DUI from 25 years ago in another state still counts toward your current case if the conduct violates a similar law in Colorado.

Colorado courts examine out-of-state laws closely. If the foreign law criminalizes conduct not illegal in Colorado, it may not qualify as a valid prior. But if the core elements are similar, it will count for sentencing purposes.

What Is Considered a DUI Under Colorado Law?

Under C.R.S. 42-4-1301, driving under the influence means operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A BAC of .08 or higher creates a legal presumption of impairment, but you can still be charged with DUI at lower levels if signs of impairment are present.

“Actual physical control” doesn’t require the car to be in motion. Courts will look at where you were seated, where the keys were, and whether you could quickly operate the vehicle.

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What Are the Penalties for a Third DUI in Colorado?

The consequences for a third DUI are severe and include both jail and probation:

Mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail (cannot be suspended)
Up to 1-year total jail time
Work release may be available for the mandatory minimum
Additional jail time may be served on in-home detention
Two to three years of supervised probation
Mandatory Level II alcohol education and treatment
- Colorado Level 2 Providers
Monitored sobriety (e.g., SCRAM or EtG testing)
48 to 120 hours of community service
Attendance at a MADD Victim Impact Panel
Suspension of an additional one-year jail term if probation is successfully completed

The first 60 days must be served in jail or work release; there’s no eligibility for “good time” credit during this portion. After that, judges may consider alternatives like home detention.

It is important to note the mandatory minimum is just that. It is not uncommon for third offenses to be punished with a much longer sentence.

Sentencing Enhancements and Additional Charges

A third DUI charge becomes more complex—and more serious—when aggravating factors are involved. These include:

Child in the vehicle → may trigger child abuse charges
Possession of a firearm while impaired → can result in a separate misdemeanor for unlawful possession
Accident causing injury or damage → may lead to elevated charges or civil consequences

These secondary charges are prosecuted alongside the DUI and can dramatically increase the risk of extended jail time and higher fines. Our third DUI attorney is skilled at mitigating these cases.

What Happens During Probation for a Third DUI?

Probation for a third DUI is not optional—it’s part of every sentence. Expect the following:

Regular check-ins with a probation officer
Monitored sobriety (e.g., urine tests, SCRAM, breathalyzers)
The first couple months of a probationary term will require SCRAM monitoring.
Completion of alcohol evaluation and treatment
Ongoing participation in community service
Full compliance with all court-ordered programs

If you fail any term of probation, the judge may revoke your probation and impose the suspended one-year jail sentence.

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters in a Third DUI Case

Getting an experienced third DUI attorney involved early in the process can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Here’s why acting quickly is critical:

Preserve Your Driver’s License: You only have 7 days after arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest license revocation. Missing this window leads to an automatic suspension.
Challenge the Evidence: Early intervention allows your attorney to obtain police reports, body cam footage, and test results—giving you more time to build a defense.
Negotiate Favorable Terms: Prosecutors may be more open to resolution before formal charges are filed or early in the court process.
Pretrial Mitigation Can Start Immediately: Enrolling in alcohol education, AA meetings, or monitored sobriety programs shows the court you’re taking responsibility—this can result in more lenient sentencing.
Avoid Additional Mistakes: A lawyer can guide you through monitored sobriety, bond conditions, and probation compliance—avoiding missteps that could land you back in jail.

When facing mandatory jail and multi-year probation, waiting too long to hire a lawyer can limit your options. Contacting an attorney immediately gives you the strongest start to your defense.

Speak with a Third DUI Lawyer in Aurora Today

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to a third DUI case. Each set of facts, prior record, and individual goal requires a tailored defense strategy. At the Lawrence Law Firm, we build comprehensive defense plans designed to reduce jail exposure, protect your rights, and give you the best chance at moving forward.

We proudly represent clients in:

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We know how urgent DUI cases can be. That’s why our office is available during regular business hours, with flexible evening and weekend appointments when needed. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get a proven third DUI attorney on your side now.

Call the Lawrence Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation.

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Areas of Practice

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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