There are several parts to getting a DUI charge after drunk driving. Depending on the situation and circumstances, the DUI conviction may be minimal or it may become more severe. You should know what to expect before your DUI hearing, once you go to trial, and after your final sentence to protect yourself.
Before a DUI Hearing
Getting a DUI starts when you get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking. If a police officer has reason to stop you and suspects that you have been drinking, he may give you a roadside breathalyzer test. If that test returns a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher, he will be arrested. Other testing options are a chemical test of his blood after the arrest or a urine test.
At the time of arrest, an officer will take away your license. Now is the time to request a motor vehicle hearing, which must be held within 7 days of the arrest in the state of Colorado. The hearing will be scheduled within 60 days and you may be granted a temporary license until then, depending on the situation.
Judicial and trial process
If necessary, a short date will be scheduled. The first is an arraignment, which you may or may not be required to attend depending on the circumstances and whether you have an attorney. The court settlement date will be on your ticket. Next will be a pre-trial conference where your attorney will discuss your case with a district attorney. This will happen around 6 weeks later and they will negotiate a statement for you.
This will lead to a court trial, which will usually include a jury. The trial will take place within 6 months of entering into a plea bargain. While you are in court, your sentence will be decided based on several factors. This could result in a misdemeanor or felony at worst. You can also receive a judgment after your plea bargain, without the need for a trial.
Consequences after a DUI conviction
Now that a DUI conviction has been decided from your sentence, there are several penalties that follow. In some cases, you may spend time in a county jail or jail, depending on the severity.
The first step is to get your driver’s license back, which may not be so simple after your revocation period. Sometimes you will be required to go through different classes to get your license back. Some classes that may be required of you, such as driving school classes on drunk driving or alcohol classes. In several cases, you will have an ignition interlock device placed in your car that tests your blood alcohol level on your breath. In all cases, you will be assessed fines, which will vary depending on the circumstances. Other consequences to consider are increases in auto insurance, as well as problems getting a job after a DUI conviction.