According to data from the NHTSA Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool, Colorado is home to six of the 75 cities with the highest rates of fatal drunk driving accidents in the United States.

The city of Pueblo, Colorado, has the third-highest rate of fatal drunk driving accidents in the entire country, with 17.94 incidents per 100,000 people. Out of the 20 deadly crashes involving drunk drivers in Pueblo during the specified period, 17 had drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 0.15, well above the legal limit of 0.08 for impairment.

Colorado cities with the highest drunk driving fatality rates:

1. Pueblo
2. Colorado Springs
3. Aurora
4. Lakewood
5. Thorton
6. Denver

Colorado Springs was 24th with 10.49 accidents per 100,000 people. Aurora came in 28th with a rate of 9.91, and Lakewood was 31st with 9.61. Thornton was 46th, having a rate of 8.38, and Denver ranked 49th with 7.99 accidents per 100,000 people.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, these counties had the most impaired driving citations in 2023:

1. El Paso County
2. Adams County
3. Jefferson County
4. Weld County
5. Larimer County

How to Get out of a DUI in Colorado

In Colorado, as in any legal jurisdiction, it's up to the prosecution to prove that a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can't meet this high standard, there's a good chance we can get the charges reduced or even dropped entirely.

In DUI cases, the prosecution needs to show that the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a mix of substances that impaired their driving abilities.

Whether it’s a third or first DUI, the number one thing you should not do at your DUI arraignment is plead guilty or accept a plea deal right away.

To immediately improve your chances of getting your DUI charges dismissed or lessened, let the judge know that you need more time to find a lawyer. Having a lawyer can improve your chances of getting a better plea deal, having your case dismissed, or being found not guilty at trial, no matter how strong the evidence seems against you.

You could go it alone and act as your own legal counsel, but your chances of beating DUI charges will reduce significantly.

There are various factors that can weaken the prosecution's case, possibly leading to a dismissal. Let’s explore some of the most common and effective ways to challenge DUI charges in Colorado.

• Traffic Stop: The Fourth Amendment necessitates that law enforcement have a reasonable suspicion of unlawful activity before halting a vehicle. If counsel can demonstrate that the stop was unwarranted, any subsequent evidence could potentially be deemed inadmissible.
• Field Sobriety Test: The reliability of field sobriety tests is another area ripe for challenge. These assessments can be influenced by various extraneous factors, including the subject's physical condition, environmental circumstances, or even their choice of footwear. Inconsistencies in test administration may provide grounds for dismissal.
• Breathalyzer and Blood Tests: Breathalyzer and blood test results, while often viewed as definitive, are not beyond reproach. Many jurisdictions impose stringent protocols governing the administration of these tests. Equipment must be properly calibrated and maintained, and personnel conducting the tests must possess appropriate certification. Deviations from these standards could render the results inadmissible.
• Chain of Custody: The chain of custody for physical evidence, particularly blood samples, is another critical aspect that may be contested. Any gaps or inconsistencies in this chain could cast doubt on the integrity of the evidence, potentially leading to its exclusion.
• Lack of Evidence or Witnesses: In some instances, the prosecution may simply lack sufficient evidence to sustain a DUI charge. This could stem from a dearth of eyewitness testimony, subpar video documentation, or blood alcohol levels that fall short of the legal threshold.
• Plea Bargains: In certain circumstances, prosecutors may offer plea agreements to lesser charges, such as "wet reckless" - a variant of reckless driving involving alcohol that typically carries less severe penalties than a DUI.
• Technical/Procedural Errors: Technical or administrative errors in documentation or procedural execution can provide fertile ground for challenging a DUI charge. Discrepancies in arrest reports or other official paperwork may be leveraged to seek dismissal of the case.

A skilled criminal defense attorney will thoroughly examine all these factors to devise the best strategy for defending against a DUI charge.

Important Deadlines With Colorado DUI Charges

If you choose a blood or breath test, you need to request an Express Consent hearing within a specific time frame.

This hearing accomplishes two things:

1. It’s an extra opportunity to question the law enforcement officers outside the criminal case.
2. If you don't request a hearing, you won't be able to get a temporary license while waiting for the hearing, and your license will be revoked as stated in the Notice of Revocation.

You have only 7 days from the date of your arrest or from receiving the blood test results to request a DMV hearing on whether your license will be revoked, many CO residents facing DUI charges don’t know this important fact and learn about it after the deadline expires.

Once you request the hearing, the DMV will send you a Notice of Hearing, and your hearing must be scheduled within 60 days of your request.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Colorado

If you're dealing with a DUI charge in Colorado, you’re obviously curious about the various legal costs involved. A significant part of these expenses is the fee for a DUI attorney, which can vary widely based on factors like the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of your case, and the county in which the offense took place.

While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact cost without considering these important differentiating details, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000 or more for a seasoned DUI attorney in Colorado.

A good attorney can be invaluable in reducing other expenses related to your case by skillfully handling the legal complexities of DUI charges.

Drunk Driving Remains a Problem in Colorado

Drunk driving remains a serious problem in the United States, causing tragic loss of life. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a person dies in a drunk driving accident every 48 minutes.

As personal injury attorneys, we frequently see the heartbreaking consequences of these incidents. Many of our clients are the loved ones left to deal with the devastation, injuries, and fatalities caused by someone’s decision to drive under the influence.

Despite the efforts of lawmakers, educators, law enforcement, and numerous advocacy groups, Colorado continues to struggle with drunk driving, with some areas being particularly hard hit.

Given the severe consequences of a DUI conviction, including significant fines, loss of driving privileges, and possible imprisonment, understanding all available legal options is critical to your success.