Anyone arrested for driving under the influence may face legal consequences. Besides troubles with the Colorado court system, drunk drivers may lose their jobs over DUI incidents. Social stigmas may also plague the person even long after resolving the incident. So, those arrested for driving under the influence might need to examine their drinking behavior.
DUIs and alcohol use
A person arrested for a DUI might not have a substance abuse problem. People can make one-time mistakes that get them into legal trouble, such as driving after a rare night out at a local bar. Others may drink moderately and assume that they are fine to drive. However, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is illegal, and if you knew this and decided to drive anyway, it could be a good time to take a look at the role of alcohol in your life.
Those who feel they are having problems with alcohol may find a DUI awakens them to take steps to seek help. Hopefully, the arrest does not involve a DUI-related accident that causes anyone to suffer injuries or worse.
Legal consequences of a DUI
Although someone may reevaluate their alcohol use after a DUI or DWAI, their new approach to drinking won’t alter any pending criminal charges. Persons convicted of a DUI may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on whether they have previous convictions. Each arrest and conviction raises the severity of the penalties, which include jail time, fines and public service. License revocations also occur upon conviction.
Persons convicted of DUI offenses may request leniency during sentencing. Some defendants may prove they were not under the influence and are the victims of false positive tests. Others may reveal the officers lacked probable cause when stopping the car. Each situation will vary based on specific circumstances.
