When considering legal violations and what can get people into trouble with the law in Colorado, one of the most common ways in which people who are otherwise law-abiding can find themselves under arrest is if they are accused of driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired. A conviction can result in jail time, fines and a loss of driving privileges. The severity of the penalties will often depend on the circumstances of the incident that precipitated the arrest. For example, if there was a crash, the person can face harsher penalties than they would for a simple DUI/DWAI charge. Regardless, those who are charged should make sure they have a strong legal defense to try and combat the charges.
A crash between a car and a bicyclist led to DUI charges for the vehicle’s driver. The incident occurred in the afternoon at shortly after 3:20 p.m. The driver is a 32-year-old woman. She was driving a Jeep Cherokee when she crashed into a bicyclist. According to the investigation, the vehicle was going west when it went out of control, went right and then veered into the other lane as the driver tried to overcorrect. It hit the rider as the bike was going in the opposite direction. The rider, a female, was taken to the hospital via helicopter and was reported to have been seriously hurt.
The investigating officer stated that she smelled alcohol on the woman. The woman said she had had a few drinks around three hours before going on the road. Officers checked the skid marks on the road and believe the woman was driving beyond the speed limit. The woman was arrested for DUI, vehicular assault, careless driving where an injury occurred, and not presenting insurance. The investigation is ongoing.
When there is a motor vehicle accident because of an alleged DUI driver and a person is injured, the driver will face a litany of charges that can negatively impact their entire life. To avoid the worst consequences, reduce the charges or even get an acquittal, legal help is a must. Not only can a DUI/DWAI conviction spark incarceration and more, but also harm a person’s job prospects, cost them their driving privileges and raise insurance rates. Having legal defense from a law firm that has assisted many people with their DUI/DWAI cases is vital. Calling a lawyer should be the first step after an arrest.