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How To Get Out Of a DUI?

EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE STRATEGIES
As a Fort Collins DUI Lawyer I am always looking for ways to challenge your DUI or DWAI charge. Whether it is overlooked evidence by the officer, or a technicality the officer failed to follow, this fact may be the critical element for your case. It’s important to understand that your choice of a criminal defense lawyer impacts the outcome of your case.

I am criminal defense lawyer David H. Johnson. For 35 years I have been challenging DUI charges in the Fort Collins area to safeguard my clients’ rights. The consequences of a DUI or DWAI can extend for years to come. Finding the right attorney for your case is important. It’s imperative to have someone on your side who challenges DUI charges.

Contact my Colorado law firm for a comprehensive defense of driving under the influence and driving while ability impaired charges.

Effective DUI Defense Strategies

To validate an arrest, an officer needs to have probable cause to think you committed a criminal act. For drinking and driving charges, an officer needs to have a reasonable belief that your ability to safely operate your vehicle was compromised to some degree by alcohol and/or drugs. I investigate the important questions in your case, such as:

• Why did the officer stop you?
• Was there a valid basis for police contact?
• What facts support the alleged driving violation?
• Did the officer have sufficient evidence to believe you were intoxicated?
• How did you perform on the portable breath test and other sobriety tests?

Once an officer makes contact with an individual, he or she is taking notes that lead him or her to believe you are intoxicated. At the law offices of Liggett, Johnson & Goodman, P.C., I am reviewing this information to determine whether the officer followed the legal requirements to justify the arrest.

Physical Evidence

Often there is physical evidence used by the officer to establish the belief that you are intoxicated. These include personal observations of your appearance, your behaviors, odors from your breath, observations of roadside maneuvers, and breath or blood tests. This evidence is what the District Attorney will use against you in court. In some cases, individuals may face more severe penalties if they are also charged with drug possession at the time of arrest.

As a defense attorney I am here to hold police officers accountable in the legal process. If this evidence doesn’t meet the legal standard of probable cause, then I will file motions to have the evidence suppressed at a suppression hearing. By getting evidence suppressed, it greatly hampers the district attorney from prosecuting your case.
Once an individual is arrested and gives a blood or breath test, the police are required to follow specific regulatory requirements in administering the Intoxilyzer and the blood tests. In addition, to use the evidence against you in court, there are chain of custody requirements that must be followed.

For more information or to discuss your needs for challenging a DUI, contact me today at my Colorado law office. Call 970-404-8884 now to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION with a Fort Collins DUI lawyer.

What Happens When You Get a DUI in Colorado?

When you receive a DUI, you will find yourself facing a number of consequences, including the following:

• Loss of Driver’s License.
• Alcohol Program.
• Monitored Sobriety.
• Mandatory Useful Public Service.
• Jail time which is mandatory on second or subsequent offense.
• Fines and Court Costs.
• Probation supervision.

A good DUI attorney can help in negotiating with the District Attorney’s Office to minimize these consequences.
The DUI statutes make some consequences mandatory. However, there are usually ranges to those mandatory consequences.

An experienced attorney can point out mitigating factors that the District Attorney and Judge should consider, reducing the severity of the consequences.

How To Find a Good DUI Lawyer?

Finding a DUI attorney in Fort Collins is one of the first steps you need to take after being charged with driving under the influence. While it is true that any attorney can represent you, you are better served to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney.

The laws surrounding DUIs are complex, and often the outcomes depend on understanding small details of the case and how they impact the charges brought against you. As someone with years of experience in trying these cases, I have years of experience focusing on DUI cases and am ready to put my years of experience to work.

You need to feel confident in your legal representation, no matter what type of case it is. However, a DUI is especially important because losing your case may affect every area of your life. Depending on where you live in Fort Collins, losing your ability to drive can make it difficult to get to work, to the grocery store, and to other locations.
When reaching out to a DUI attorney, here are some questions you may want to ask.

Questions to Ask Your DUI Lawyer
• How many years have you spent defending clients in DUI cases?
• How many cases involving DUIs do you work on each year?
• How often do your cases go to trial?
• How often do you successfully reach a plea bargain or get a case dismissed?

Of course, you also want to ask standard questions such as what fees you will be charged and when you will be required to make your payments. Any questions you have about your specific case should also be asked before you hire a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common defenses in DUI cases in Fort Collins include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results, and disputing the officer’s observations and conduct during the arrest. Defendants might also argue that field sobriety tests were improperly administered or that medical conditions affected test results. Additionally, procedural errors by law enforcement can be a basis for defense. Consulting a specialized DUI attorney can help identify the most applicable defense strategies for your case. Our skilled DUI defense attorney can utilize these strategies to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If arrested for DUI in Fort Collins, you should remain calm and cooperate with the officers. Refrain from making any statements or admissions that could be used against you later. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to represent you and protect your rights. Document everything you remember about the arrest and gather any potential evidence, such as witness statements. Your attorney will review the case, challenge the legality of the stop, and work to minimize penalties or have the charges dismissed. Our team at Liggett, Johnson & Goodman, P.C. can provide the legal guidance needed to navigate the complexities of DUI charges effectively.
Yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Fort Collins, but it has significant consequences under Colorado's Express Consent Law. Refusing the test will result in an automatic license suspension for at least one year and may be used against you in court as evidence of guilt. It's crucial to understand the implications of refusal and consult with a DUI attorney to navigate the legal complexities.
Penalties for a DUI conviction in Fort Collins include fines, potential jail time, mandatory community service, and participation in alcohol education classes. License suspension is also a common consequence, with the duration depending on the number of prior offenses. Additional penalties can include the installation of an ignition interlock device and increased insurance rates. The severity of these penalties increases with repeated offenses or high blood alcohol concentration levels. Contact us to discuss your case and potential defense strategies.

Additional Information in Fort Collins

Colorado General Assembly - Colorado Drunk Driving Laws: It explains the legal definitions, the use of blood alcohol content (BAC) tests, and the consequences of DUI/DWAI offenses. Penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education. Refusal to take a BAC test can lead to license revocation and is admissible in court. The document provides detailed tables of administrative and criminal penalties for various offenses. Understanding this document helps in a DUI defense case by clarifying the legal standards, potential penalties, and possible defenses based on procedural errors or test inaccuracies.
Colorado Department of Transportation - Impaired Driving: Detailed information on the risks, laws, and penalties associated with impaired driving in Colorado. It emphasizes the importance of preventing impaired driving through planning and awareness. The site outlines the legal consequences of DUI, including fines, jail time, and license suspension, and provides resources for finding sober rides. Understanding these laws and penalties can help in a DUI defense case by highlighting procedural requirements and potential areas for challenging the evidence.
Forbes Advisor - Colorado DUI Laws 2024 Guide: Outlines the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and the penalties for DUI offenses. It provides detailed information on what constitutes a DUI, including driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher and the implications of refusal to take a breathalyzer test. The site also explains the differences between DUI and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) and the associated penalties for each. Additionally, it covers the consequences of multiple DUI offenses, highlighting increased fines, longer jail times, and extended license suspensions. Understanding these details can help in a DUI defense case by identifying potential procedural errors, understanding the severity of charges, and exploring options for reducing penalties through legal strategies.
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Contact A Fort Collins Attorney That Cares

Thank you for your interest and considering for using David H. Johnson, Attorney at Law, for your legal representation needs. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions you may have. As an attorney that cares, I want to see all of our clients’ lives move beyond the temporary pain of legal action.

If you'd like to schedule a free consultation, please give me a call using the contact information below. I look forward to helping you.

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(970) 404-8884
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(970) 404-8884
Helping clients in FORT COLLINS and throughout Northern Colorado.
Address:
419 Canyon Avenue #226
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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