Criminal Speeding And DUI

In Colorado, criminal speeding and DUI (driving under the influence) are serious traffic offenses that carry significant legal consequences. Understanding the specifics of these laws helps you to avoid severe penalties if you are charged or convicted of criminal speeding and speeding in Colorado.

Criminal Speeding and DUI in Colorado

Criminal speeding, often referred to as reckless driving or excessive speeding, involves operating a vehicle at speeds that far exceed the posted limits or driving at a speed that is considered unsafe for the conditions. In Colorado, this can also include driving actions that exhibit a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

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Key Aspects of Criminal Speeding And DUI

• Speed Limits: Speeding becomes “criminal” or “reckless” when it exceeds certain thresholds, such as driving more than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
• Charges: Criminal speeding can be charged as a misdemeanor offense. The exact charge can depend on the circumstances, such as the speed, the area (residential, school zones), and whether any property damage or bodily injury occurred as a result.
• Penalties: Penalties for criminal speeding may include fines, points added to the driver’s license, potential jail time, and, in some cases, the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Colorado

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major concern in Colorado, as it is across the United States. Colorado enforces strict DUI laws to combat impaired driving and increase public safety.

DUI Laws In Colorado

• Standard DUI: Typically, a DUI charge is based on a driver having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, if a driver is substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs to the degree that they cannot safely operate a vehicle, they can still be charged with DUI regardless of BAC.
• DWAI: Colorado also has a unique offense called Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) which occurs when a driver has a BAC between 0.05% and 0.079%. It indicates a lesser degree of impairment, though still illegal.
• Zero Tolerance: As previously discussed, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy where any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to DUI charges.
  Penalties for DUI:
• First Offense: Penalties can include jail time, fines, community service, DUI education and treatment programs, and driver’s license suspension.
• Subsequent Offenses: These result in increased penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, extended license suspensions, and possibly the installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Aggravating Factors: Certain factors can exacerbate DUI charges, such as having a very high BAC (exceeding 0.15%), causing an accident that results in injury or death, and having previous DUI convictions.

Relationship Between Criminal Speeding and DUI

Criminal speeding and DUI can sometimes be related when a person who is impaired due to alcohol or drugs is also driving significantly over the speed limit. This combination can lead to more severe charges and penalties because it increases the risk of harm to both the driver and others on the road.

Criminal Speeding and DUI – Get Legal Help

Both criminal speeding and DUI are taken very seriously in Colorado due to their potential to cause harm. The state’s legal framework reflects an effort to deter dangerous behaviors through significant legal consequences. By imposing stringent penalties and strict enforcement, Colorado aims to educate drivers about the risks associated with such behaviors and ultimately reduce the incidence of traffic-related fatalities and injuries.