The county court system issues criminal penalties for alcohol or drug-related arrests when there are no other felony charges involved. Criminal penalties include imprisonment, fines, and required public service. The following penalties vary and will be determined by the court.
First-time Offenders face the following penalties:
- 2 days – 180 days in Jail
- Fines from $200-$500.00
- 24 hours to 48 hours of Public Service
Excess Bac (Blood Alcohol Content)
Like many states, Colorado imposes an administrative revocation on any individual who has excess alcohol in their system any time within two hours following being in actual physical control of a vehicle anywhere in the state, on public or private property, on a roadway or not.
Colorado’s Administrative Penalties
Colorado’s DMV has the authority to suspend your driver’s license for DUI and, as a result can cause automatic suspension of your driver’s license. In addition, you may face additional fees and points.
DUI 1st Offense: Administrative license revocation for 9 months; $600 to $1,000 fine; up to 1 year in jail; up to 96 hours community service; alcohol education.
DUI 1st Offense under 21 years old: Driver’s license suspended 3 months and 4 points added to driving record.
The penalties increase substantially for repeated offenses and, in some cases, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car. The only way to challenge Administrative penalties is to request an alcohol hearing.
