In Colorado, there are two designations for impaired driving. If your blood alcohol content is between .05 and .08 percent, law enforcement can charge you with Driving While Ability is Impaired, or DWAI. If your BAC is higher than that, you are in the DUI category, Driving Under the Influence, and if your BAC is 0.15 percent or above, you are a High BAC Offender.
There are serious consequences at every level, but as a High BAC Offender, you will find that the penalties increase substantially.
The penalties for a High BAC offender
If the DUI charge is your first offense, there will be a nine-month license revocation and a reinstatement fee of $95. You will have to provide an SR22 from your insurance company to verify that you have vehicle insurance coverage and maintain it for a period of three years. In addition, you must install an ignition interlock device on every car you drive. You will also have to enroll in an alcohol education and treatment program.
How reinstatement works
You can reinstate your license, but there are conditions, and along with the usual eye and written exams, you must take the driving test in a vehicle equipped with an interlock device. In fact, once you complete all the requirements and reinstatement begins, you must carry an interlock restricted driver’s license for at least two years.
First steps
After law enforcement charges you with DUI, you have a right to a hearing that must occur within seven days of your arrest. Your criminal defense attorney can support you at that hearing in the effort to get your driving privileges reinstated. As a High BAC Offender, you are undoubtedly very worried about your future, but rest assured that you will have a vigorous advocate who will work to obtain as positive an outcome to your case as possible.
