Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs, is a historic resort town known for its mineral springs, arts community, and proximity to Pikes Peak. With a lively downtown, festivals, and tourist attractions, DUI enforcement is common along Manitou Ave. Driving under the influence is considered a serious criminal charge in Manitou Springs, and a DUI conviction can result in the loss of your driver’s license.
Attractions
- Manitou Incline – world-famous steep hiking trail.
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – adventure park and caves.
- Miramont Castle Museum – historic landmark.
DUI Defense in Manitou Springs
We defend residents and visitors facing:
- DUI/DWAI
- Disorderly conduct related to nightlife
- Drug-related charges
- Theft and property crimes
Understanding DUI Laws in Colorado
DUI laws in Colorado set legal limits for blood alcohol content (BAC), with .08 being the threshold for DUI prosecution. Our experienced attorneys and defense lawyer team handle a wide range of DUI charges, including cases where clients are accused of being ability impaired or substantially impaired, and cases involving BAC above or below the legal limits. Some DUI cases involve bodily injury or serious bodily injury, which can lead to more severe criminal charges and even felony prosecution.
Our lawyers are dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and fighting for favorable outcomes, whether the DUI charge is a misdemeanor or felony, and whether it involves a first offense or a client with prior criminal history. DUI charges can result in serious penalties such as jail sentences, fines, license suspension, and community service, especially if a client is convicted.
Our attorneys are knowledgeable about Colorado DUI laws, including probable cause for arrest, and are skilled at challenging the prosecution’s case. Colorado law requires police to have probable cause to pull over a driver for suspected drunk driving, and we are adept at identifying and contesting any violations of this requirement.
After a DUI Arrest
After a DUI arrest in Colorado Springs, it’s crucial to act quickly and understand what’s at stake. A DUI conviction can bring serious consequences, including jail time, expensive fines, and a suspended driver’s license. Even a first DUI offense can result in a nine-month license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and up to one year in jail.
The impact of a DUI conviction can extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting your employment, insurance rates, and future opportunities. Colorado has penalties that can be further enhanced for DUIs associated with injury or death during an accident, making it even more important to build a strong defense.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced DUI Attorney
The first and most important step after a DUI arrest is to consult with an experienced DUI attorney who is deeply familiar with local courts and Colorado law. Hiring a DUI lawyer is recommended even for first-time offenses due to the complexity of DUI laws and potential legal consequences.
An experienced DUI attorney can provide strong defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. They will review every detail of your DUI case, from the validity of chemical tests to the circumstances of your arrest, and challenge any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
When choosing a DUI lawyer in the Manitou Springs area, consider local experience, specialization, reputation, and transparency regarding fees to ensure you have the best representation possible.
Prosecution and Penalties in Colorado
In Colorado, penalties for DUI offenses increase with prior offenses, and the District Attorney’s office in El Paso County aggressively prosecutes DUI cases. This makes it even more important to have a skilled DUI attorney on your side to protect your rights and driving privileges.
Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution, seek to reduce or dismiss charges, and help you navigate mandatory requirements like alcohol education classes.
License Suspension and Revocation
Facing a DUI charge in Colorado Springs can have immediate and long-lasting effects on your driving privileges. Under Colorado law, a DUI conviction often leads to a license suspension or even revocation, depending on the severity of the offense and your prior criminal history. For many, the loss of a driver’s license is one of the most disruptive consequences of a DUI offense, impacting your ability to work, care for your family, and maintain your daily life.
In Colorado, a DUI lawyer can help you contest your automatic license suspension within seven days of your arrest, making it crucial to act quickly. For a first DUI offense, Colorado imposes a nine-month license suspension, even if it’s your only criminal charge.
If you have prior offenses, the penalties become even more severe, with longer suspension periods or permanent revocation possible. Refusing to submit to chemical tests—such as a blood or breath test—can result in an automatic one-year license suspension, regardless of the outcome of your DUI case. CDL holders face particularly strict penalties, including a mandatory one-year suspension of their commercial driver’s license, which can jeopardize their livelihood.
The local courts in El Paso County and Teller County take DUI cases very seriously, and the prosecution will aggressively pursue a conviction. This is why it’s essential to have an experienced DUI attorney on your side—someone who is deeply familiar with Colorado law and the local legal landscape. A skilled DUI attorney can help you fight to protect your driving privileges, challenge the prosecution’s case, and guide you through mandatory requirements like alcohol education classes.
The consequences of a DUI conviction go beyond just losing your license. You could also face jail time, expensive fines, mandatory classes, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.
Contact Us
If you are facing DUI charges, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options. With the right legal guidance, you can build a strong defense, fight to protect your future, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Remember, a DUI arrest does not mean a conviction is inevitable—contact Mike Moran, the premier DUI lawyer in Colorado Springs, today to start defending your rights.
Criminal Defense Colorado Springs, P.C.
220 E Costilla St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 447-1923