A DUI arrest in Denver has a significant impact on your life now and for years to come. Many people accept a charge of DUI assuming that there is no way to fight it. However, there are many instances in which you might be able to have DUI charges reduced or dropped altogether. To make that happen, you need the right DUI attorney in Colorado to help you fight the charges and minimize that impact.
There are several things you should look for in a DUI lawyer. Sometimes it isn’t enough to just get a criminal defense attorney. You need a DUI expert that has some additional knowledge and experience.
Well-versed in the necessary procedure for collecting evidence in a DUI
Many DUI cases could be dismissed due to how the evidence is collected and processed. If evidence was collected illegally it must be ruled inadmissible. If law enforcement did not follow proper procedure with respect to Express Consent, the blood or breath test may be inadmissible. Without that evidence, you have a much higher chance of coming out of the case unscathed.
As such, a good DUI attorney should be able to examine every aspect of your interaction with police and the collection and processing of evidence. Losing your driver’s license is just one of the administrative penalties that can be avoided by being able to have evidence dismissed.
Extremely knowledgeable in constitutional law
Constitutional law plays a large role in DUI traffic stops. Officers must have probable cause to pull you over. If you were not breaking traffic laws or displaying suspicious behavior, the officer might not have had the right to stop you in the first place. The case may be dismissed if the court finds that your constitutional rights were violated in any way.
A good DUI attorney in Colorado knows constitutional law as it applies to traffic stops better than your average criminal attorney.
Experience with DMV administrative process
Administrative penalties like license suspensions are separate from criminal DUI charges. It is possible to have criminal charges dismissed in court but still lose your license and have a DUI on your driving record. There is a very short window of just 7 calendar days to file a petition for an administrative hearing. A good DUI lawyer will be familiar with the administrative process and have experience representing clients in administrative hearings.
Understanding the science behind sobriety testing
Many sobriety field tests have been proven to give varied and often inaccurate results. For example, someone with certain disabilities may not be able to walk in a completely straight line or complete a one-leg stand even when completely sober.
Meanwhile, breathalyzer tests that check blood alcohol level (BAC) can also be inaccurate. Breathalyzers and other equipment used to prove traffic violations must be calibrated and tested on a schedule to remain accurate. When officers fail to ensure their equipment has been properly calibrated it can give false positives. A good attorney knows how this equipment works and its liabilities to apply them to your case.
Cannabis DUIs are even harder to prove than drunk driving. When it comes to cannabis related DUIs, having an attorney that understands the science is vital. There is a “permissible inference” that someone is under the influence of weed if their Delta 9 THC is 5 NG or higher.
Positive professional relationships with members of the court
An experienced and highly qualified attorney will always get the best results for their clients. When you choose an attorney that has positive working relationships with members of the DA office, local judges, and other court officials they are more likely to be trusted when it comes to representing you in a DUI.
Having a DUI attorney in Colorado familiar with the local court officials is even more important for first time offenders. You have the best chance of having charges reduced or dismissed if you are represented by an attorney who can effectively communicate with the DA to obtain the best result for your case.
Comparing costs of DUI attorneys in Colorado
When it comes right down to it, the biggest factor in someone being able to hire a DUI lawyer is cost. Keeping these things in mind, you should have no trouble finding the right DUI attorney in Colorado to handle your case. Of course, every case is different, and you don’t want an attorney that is going to treat you like every other client. For personalized representation in DUI cases, contact us today at 720.594.7367.