DUI Lawyer in Denver, Colorado
Practice Areas
Driving under the influence (DUI) carries severe consequences. Having a knowledgeable and dedicated DUI defense lawyer on your side can make a substantial difference. We're here to support you and protect your right to a fair trial.
Attorney Chris Cessna has championed his clients' rights for over twenty years, leveraging his deep expertise in DUI cases to deliver outstanding representation. He is the only defense attorney in Colorado with an NHTSA certification to instruct on the administration of standardized field sobriety tests.
This unique qualification gives him a competitive advantage when it comes to defending DUI or DUID charges by thoroughly understanding the testing process and exposing any potential flaws that could result in wrongful convictions.
The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna provides expert DUI defense services to individuals across Denver, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Boulder County, Arapahoe County, and Adams County. Contact the firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how Attorney Chris Cessna can help you pursue your best result.
DUI Defense Services
The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna understands that facing DUI charges can be an intimidating and life-altering experience. Attorney Chris Cessna offers a comprehensive range of criminal defense services tailored to safeguard your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. The services include representation for those facing:
Facing a first-time DUI charge can be particularly distressing, especially for those unfamiliar with the legal system. Attorney Cessna meticulously examines all aspects of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety and breath tests, ensuring that your rights are upheld at every stage.
A second DUI offense carries more severe penalties and can significantly impact your personal and professional life. Attorney Cessna's extensive experience allows him to craft a robust defense strategy, identifying any procedural errors or violations of your rights. He works tirelessly to mitigate the consequences you face and explores all avenues for reduced sentencing, alternative penalties, or treatment programs aimed at minimizing the impact on your future.
Facing a third DUI offense is a serious offense in Colorado. With each subsequent DUI offense, the legal penalties and social repercussions become increasingly harsh. The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna offers relentless advocacy and strategic defense for individuals facing their third DUI charge. Attorney Chris Cessna's objective is to lessen (or completely dismiss) your charges and work towards a resolution that encourages rehabilitation over punishment.
Felony DUI charges represent a grave situation with potential long-term consequences, including extended prison sentences and a lasting criminal record. Attorney Chris Cessna will fight aggressively on your behalf. He will thoroughly investigate every element of your case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of administered tests, seeking any opportunities to challenge the validity of the charges. His approach aims to safeguard your future and minimize the lasting impact of a felony conviction.
Refusing a breath test when suspected of a DUI can result in automatic penalties, including license suspension and enhanced charges. However, this doesn't mean your case is without hope. Attorney Chris Cessna brings his specialized knowledge of DUI law and NHTSA standards to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the refusal and the conduct of law enforcement officers.
No matter the DUI charges you face, The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna is here to provide expert legal defense and support when you need it most.
Don't Face a DUI Alone
Understanding Colorado DUI Laws and Penalties
Colorado has stringent DUI laws and penalties that can have a significant impact on your life. Under Colorado law, it's illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and over. For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit drops to 0.02%, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Commercial drivers must adhere to an even stricter BAC limit of 0.04%.
Additionally, you can still face DUI charges even if you’re not actively driving. Colorado law stipulates that a person need only be in "actual physical control" of the vehicle to be charged with a DUI. This means you could be arrested for DUI if you are found intoxicated in a parked car, even if the engine is off, depending on factors like where the keys are and whether the vehicle could be readily driven.
Colorado also enforces strict penalties for refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test. Under the state's Express Consent Law, drivers automatically consent to submit to these tests by the mere act of driving within the state. Refusal to take the test can lead to immediate administrative penalties, including a year-long license suspension for the first refusal and longer suspensions for subsequent refusals.
Understanding the specific penalties you might face for a DUI conviction in Colorado is crucial for preparing your defense. Here's a detailed breakdown of the potential penalties for first-time, second, third, and felony DUI offenses.
First-Time DUI Offense
Fines: Up to $1,000.
Jail time: Five days to one year in county jail.
License suspension: Nine months.
Community service: 48 to 96 hours.
Probation: Up to two years.
Alcohol education: Mandatory completion of a level II alcohol education and therapy program.
Second DUI Offense
Fines: $600 to $1,500.
Jail time: Ten days to one year in county jail.
License suspension: One year, with the possibility of two years if the prior conviction occurred within the last five years.
Community service: 48 to 120 hours.
Probation: Up to four years.
Alcohol education: Level II alcohol education and therapy, plus possible mandatory DUI treatment programs.
Third DUI Offense
Fines: $600 to $1,500.
Jail time: 60 days to one year in county jail, with a minimum mandatory sentence of at least 60 consecutive days.
License suspension: Two years.
Community service: 48 to 120 hours.
Probation: Up to four years.
Alcohol education: Level II alcohol education and therapy, including possible mandatory DUI treatment programs.
Ignition interlock device: Installation required for at least two years after reinstatement of driving privileges.
Felony DUI Offense
Fines: Up to $500,000.
Prison time: Two to six years in a state prison, with three years of mandatory parole.
License suspension: Potential permanent revocation.
Community service: Mandatory community service, determined by the court.
Probation: Court-determined length of probation, often including intensive supervision.
Alcohol education: Court-mandated alcohol education and therapy, often rigorous and extensive.
Additional penalties: Felony convictions come with additional long-term repercussions, including loss of civil rights such as voting and firearm ownership.
Aggravated DUI Factors
Should your DUI offense include aggravating factors like a very high BAC, causing an accident with injuries, or having children in the vehicle, enhanced penalties could apply:
High BAC (0.15% or higher): Classified as a persistent drunk driver (PDD), carrying harsher penalties, including longer mandatory jail times and extended alcohol education requirements.
Accidents or injuries: Additional charges such as vehicular assault, leading to significantly enhanced penalties, including potential felony charges.
Minor passengers: Increased fines, jail time, and additional child endangerment charges.
By fully understanding the range of penalties, those facing DUI charges can better appreciate the importance of securing an experienced and skilled attorney to navigate the legal complexities and mitigate the impact on their lives.
What Is DWAI?
Driving while ability impaired (DWAI) is a lesser charge compared to DUI but still holds significant legal implications. In Colorado, a driver can be charged with DWAI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is above 0.05% but below 0.08%, or if their ability to operate a vehicle is impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol or drugs.
Although the penalties for DWAI are typically less severe than those for DUI, they can still include fines, points on your driver's license, and possible jail time. Understanding the nuances between DWAI and DUI charges is crucial for anyone facing alcohol-related driving offenses.
Protect Your Future With a Skilled DUI Defense Attorney
Many individuals believe that once they've been charged with a DUI, they have no choice but to plead guilty. However, this is far from the truth. Various factors can influence the validity of the charges against you, including:
Errors in the administration of field sobriety tests
Breathalyzer tests
Blood tests
Unlike larger firms where clients may feel overlooked, The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna is committed to providing personalized counsel and assistance.
Most Denver criminal defense lawyers take DUI cases pretty regularly, being that they are one of the most common offenses prosecuted. That said, most of them spend very little time training each year and learning the subtle details of what it takes to consistently win at trial. That's what makes Chris Cessna stand out among the competition as an award-winning Denver & Jefferson County DUI lawyer.
With an array of certifications and over two decades of experience, Attorney Chris Cessna has built a formidable reputation for effective DUI defense. His expertise as a certified DUI defense specialist has enabled numerous clients to protect their rights and achieve favorable outcomes.
Facing DUI charges is stressful enough; finding the right attorney shouldn't add to your burden. The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna offers free, no-obligation consultations. During these consultations, Attorney Chris Cessna will review your case, ask questions, and discuss potential defense strategies to ensure an optimal result.
Unlike general practice firms handling various legal matters, The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna focuses solely on criminal defense with a special focus in DUI law. This specialization allows Attorney Cessna to provide comprehensive, focused representation for each client.
DUI Lawyer in Denver, Colorado
Don't leave your freedom to chance by hiring an inadequate defense attorney. Trust a DUI lawyer with over 20 years of trial experience. Contact The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna today for a free consultation and put his expertise to work for you.
The sooner you seek legal assistance, the better your chances of obtaining a positive outcome for your case. With his proven track record and personalized approach, Attorney Chris Cessna is dedicated to helping clients overcome these challenging times and protect their future. Reach out to his firm today for unparalleled DUI defense services in Denver, Colorado.