An arrest for DUI, Driving Under the Influence, can be distressing. It is essential to remain calm in the moment in order to handle the situation as best you can. Employing the correct DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado, is an efficient strategy to improve your case and help you move forward with your life.
Driving under the influence is a severe criminal offense that can bring lifelong consequences. You may acquire a criminal record, which can sometimes affect your workplace employment. Hiring a local DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado, is a necessity for the highest chances of success at getting charges dropped or dismissed quickly in court. Even a first-time offender greatly benefits from hiring a DUI lawyer.
A clean driving record is necessary for several reasons in life, including insurance and professional opportunities. DUI charges are unlike regular traffic tickets that you may pay and ignore or dismiss by attending a driving school. If you are guilty of driving while under the influence, it could have significant consequences for your life and your legal situation.
No matter the situation you are in or the case being made against you, you must put in the necessary effort to fight for a clear record. Time is urgent when fighting a driving under the influence case since your life and future are on the line.
We will dive into people’s most common questions when hiring a DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado. All clients at Timothy Kelly & Associates are treated like a member of the family. We aim to provide thoughtful, caring, and thorough legal representation throughout the Denver metro area.
What is the Difference Between a DUI and a DWI?
Driving under the influence is commonly referred to as a DUI. Driving while intoxicated (some say driving while impaired) is referred to as a DWI. A DUI accusation might indicate that the motorist was using drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel. It is crucial to remember that the drugs do not necessarily have to be illegal. A DUI charge may also occur when taking prescription or over-the-counter medications if the user becomes intoxicated due to taking them.
The state where the event happened and the established blood alcohol content, or BAC, levels at the time of the incident ultimately determine whether officers charge you with a DUI or DWI. Cases involving DUI and DWI differ from state to state. In reality, several states prosecute someone driving while intoxicated using wholly different terms. To guarantee that you always drive within legal limits, you should know the driving rules in any city you visit or live in. You can only be legally charged with a DUI or DWI if a law officer can demonstrate that you were too intoxicated to drive.
Timothy Kelly & Associates are experienced and respected DUI lawyers in Denver, Colorado. If you are looking for effective legal representation for criminal defense in Denver, call our number at any time and speak with a DUI lawyer in Denver.
What are DUI’s Criminal Consequences?
A guilty DUI charge may result in a number of criminal penalties, such as prison time, probation, community service, fines, or ignition interlock devices.
Prison Time: There are no rules on how little time you can spend in prison for a first-time DUI charge in Denver. Maximum prison sentences range from six months to five years. Sentencing depends on variables like your blood alcohol content, who was in your automobile, any sustained injuries or property damage, and how severe those injuries or damages were. All first-time DUI offenders expect to be placed on probation, perhaps in conjunction with a prison sentence.
Community Service: As a condition of probation, most first-time DUI offenders must do community service. In most states, mandatory community service requirements are 50 hours on average.
Fines: Your fines may fall within a wide range depending on the circumstances surrounding your DUI in Denver. Fine penalties range from $500 up to $12,000 or more. Hiring a DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado, can help you manage these fines.
Ignition Interlock Devices: If this is your first DUI offense and your BAC was less than 0.08%, this may not apply to your case. If your BAC was higher, a judge might require you to use the Ignition Interlock Device for at least six months. If you had a passenger under 18 years old in the automobile or were driving with a BAC of more than 0.15%, a minimum of six months with an ignition interlock device is often required.
Is it Worth Hiring a DUI Lawyer in Denver for a DUI?
Yes, hiring a lawyer is always worth it. You are not obligated to hire a DUI lawyer in Denver to manage your case. However, hiring a DUI lawyer in Denver, CO, protects you from blunders that could result in long-term ramifications with guilty DUI charges. If possible, you do not want a potential felony or misdemeanor to be permanently on your record. You need an experienced DUI lawyer on your side to help you discover the best solution to your case like Timothy Kelly & Associates.
A DUI lawyer in Denver, CO, can help you build a compelling defense for your case based on your unique circumstances. At Timothy Kelly & Associates, we have the experience and ability to identify any vulnerabilities that may expose you. We can give you the best remedies to mitigate any consequences. In addition, our DUI lawyer in Denver, CO, will answer all your inquiries. From legal requirements to future actions, we will ensure that every detail is accounted for along the road.
For example, a DUI case involves two distinct issues: the suspension of your driver’s license and your criminal prosecution. Both cases were filed at separate periods, calling for different, specific approaches. Ultimately, using an expert DUI lawyer in Denver ensures your rights are protected and you have the best possible defense for your case and your future.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer in Denver, CO, Cost?
It is difficult to predict how much a DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado, will ultimately cost you. A DUI is a state-specific offense, meaning each state is free to impose any penalty it deems appropriate.
In most cases, a DUI case lasts six to twelve months. A DUI lawyer in Denver could charge around $1,900, with extra expenses totaling $5,000 to $8,000 for the entire process. Some of the more catastrophic situations might cost $12,000 or more. Accepting a plea deal can also impact the final cost. It is a fair assumption to budget about $10,000 for a driving under the influence charge.
Does DUI Leave You with a Criminal Record?
Like any other criminal conviction, your misdemeanor or felony conviction will appear on your criminal record. However, there are certain circumstances where you can attend programs or plead the charges down, allowing you to avoid having a lifelong criminal record. We can assist you in determining if any alternatives are accessible to you if you are charged with DUI in Denver. Timothy Kelly & Associates are ready to help you prepare your criminal defense for trial.
Are Other Costs Associated with a DUI?
Driving while intoxicated can be expensive. A DUI can have astronomical financial consequences even if you do not damage yourself or anybody else. First, your auto insurance premiums will significantly increase when you get your license back. If you can obtain auto insurance at all, the costs may be twice as much as you are accustomed to paying. Anticipate your insurance premiums to remain high for an average of three to five years, even if you drive perfectly following the DUI.
Many people arrested for a DUI have never dealt with the court system before. It is easy to be unaware of all the expenses of being detained. Budget for bail, legal representation, and the fine of the ticket. Bail is typically 10% of the bond amount, which might mean having to make a four-figure payment just to be released from custody while you await trial. Attorney fees could reach five figures for a DUI trial criminal defense.
Lastly, each time you miss work, it costs you money. Some employers may let you go if you acquire a DUI conviction. A DUI charge may also jeopardize the validity of your professional license. The licenses of truck drivers, nurses, attorneys, physicians, and teachers are all at stake if they are convicted of DUI. Future prospective employers can view the DUI charge with a straightforward background check, a standard recruiting procedure.
You might lose your career, reputation, and money if you decide to drive after drinking. You might lose your life as a result or injure someone else. Take the expenses into account before driving after drinking. Most likely, a cab home is less expensive.
DUI Lawyer in Denver, Colorado
If you need a DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado, contact Timothy Kelly & Associates. We have over 30 years of expertise defending DUI charges. Our experienced attorneys are just a phone call away. Protect your future and hire Timothy Kelly & Associates as your DUI lawyer in Denver, Colorado.