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Another reason for Coloradans not to drink and drive

You have probably been on the road at some point in your life with another driver who can’t seem to stay in their lane. Most of the time this erratic behavior is caused from drunk driving. Not to mention that driving while drunk is against the law in Colorado, it is also irresponsible and could cost you or people you know their lives.

If you need another reason not to drink and drive, consider the high price tag that accompanies a driving under the influence conviction. There are so many fees and fines tacked on to DUI offenses that it could financially hurt you. According to a publication of the Office of Legislative Legal Services regarding the Colorado drunk driving laws, people who are convicted of their first DUI could face the following charges:

• 5 days to 1 year in jail

• 9 month license suspension

• $600 to $1,000 fine

• 48 hours to 96 hours of public service

In certain cases, the jail sentence may be reduced if the person agrees to go through an alcohol treatment program. People who get arrested for driving drunk in Colorado may have to pay penalty surcharges for anti drunk driving programs of up to $500. Other fees include surcharges for a crime victim compensation fund, court costs, and charges to reinstate a driver’s license after suspension.

After a DUI in Colorado, there are additional costs that can add up which involve tow charges and insurance premiums. When someone is arrested on DUI charges, it is likely that their car gets towed and it will cost to get the vehicle back. Insurance premiums will also increase with a Colorado DUI on record. Some insurance companies will label the DUI offender as a high risk policy and the majority of these lawbreakers will typically experience double or triple fees in insurance premiums for three to five years. If there is a second DUI offense, there are greater fines and an increased length of time in jail as well as a longer license suspension.

Unfortunately, alcohol is a major factor in traffic crashes, and many states including Colorado are cracking down on this behavior. One of the biggest misconceptions is that drunk driving only occurs at night. While the statistics do show that there are higher DUI accidents late at night or early in the morning, daytime drinking and driving has also been on the rise.

Alcohol-impaired driving is unwanted and is defined across our nation as a driver of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. If you see someone on the road driving drunk in Colorado Springs, contact the police immediately.

In addition, if you have been involved in car accident in Colorado Springs and believe alcohol may have been a factor or you believe it was due to someone else’s negligence, contact a Colorado car accident attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or left with permanent disabilities, a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

The Law Offices of Robert J. Anderson represents injured Colorado car accident victims in the cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Canyon City, Fountain, and Cripple Creek. If you have been injured in a Colorado Springs car accident, contact Robert J. Anderson at (866)254-1274 to receive a free legal consultation.