Overcome DWAI Charges with Colorado DWAI Attorney, David H. Johnson

As a fully qualified Colorado DWAI attorney in Fort Collins, David H. Johnson provides skilled legal assistance to those accused of drunk driving crimes. While the charge of DWAI is a less serious charge than DUI, it can still have a damaging impact on your life, especially after repeat offenses.

To get your life back on track and move forward, you need a trusted DWAI attorney to represent you. David H. Johnson will examine your case and determine the best course of action to minimize the consequences.

Colorado Laws: DWAI vs. DUI

In Colorado, a DWAI is less severe than DUI charges, but the consequences can still become severe. “DWAI” means “Driving While Ability is Impaired.” There is an inference that you are impaired if you operate a motor vehicle while your BAC (blood alcohol content) is lower than 0.08% but higher than 0.05%. Unlike a DUI, a first-time offense doesn’t involve a driver’s license suspension, though repeat offenses can face a revocation of driving privileges.

There are other penalties, however, and one of the best ways to get those reduced is to enlist the help of a qualified DWAI Lawyer.

Colorado DWAI Misdemeanor Charges

For first, second, and third-time offenses, DWAI is a misdemeanor, with the penalties escalating after each offense. After the first offense, a DWAI is treated the same as a repeat DUI offender.

For a first time DWAI offense, the penalties can include:

• Up to 180 days of jail time (though this is rare);
• Up to $500 in fines;
• 24 to 48 hours of community service;
• Attend a Victim Impanel Panel through MADD;
• Alcohol evaluation and appropriate treatment;
• 8 points on your driving record.

It’s in your best interest to seek the help of a Colorado DWAI attorney when charged with a DWAI. This is because after the first offense, the penalties escalate:

• 10 days to a year in jail, with a year of jail suspended;
• Up to $1500 in fines;
• 48 to 120 hours of community service;
• Mandatory minimum of 2 years probation;
• Attend a Victim Impanel Panel through MADD;
• Alcohol evaluation and appropriate treatment;
• One to two years license revocation (depending on the number of offenses);
• 8 points on your DMV record;
• Mandatory use of an interlock ignition device.

If the violation is after a third conviction, the crime is considered a felony. A felony conviction on your record can end up leaving you with damaging long-term consequences, in addition to large fines and possible prison time. There is no look back period in Colorado. This means any previous DUI/DWAI offense, no matter when or where they occurred, will count toward your total number of convictions. For this reason, it’s important to involve an attorney who can help you minimize charges or get them dropped altogether.

Minimizing Consequences from a DWAI – Hire a Colorado DWAI Attorney

Colorado DWAI lawyer, David H. Johnson, can represent you if charged with a DWAI charge. For a first-time offense, the courts will typically allow the defendant to forego jail time in favor of an educational course. Charges may also be dismissed if the following circumstances apply:

• Insufficient evidence
• Your BAC was 0.05% or below;
• Your rights were violated, such as the officer didn’t have probable cause to contact you;
• Your blood or breath test didn’t follow Department of Health Regulations.

Colorado laws can be harsh, especially for repeat offenders. To protect your rights, you need to seek the assistance of a Colorado DWAI lawyer. David H. Johnson has extensive experience with alcohol-related driving cases. He can evaluate your case and provide the legal assistance you deserve.

To begin the process and do everything you can to overcome this obstacle and put your life back on track, schedule a consultation with a reliable DWAI attorney today at 970-404-8884.