What Are The Penalties Of Driving With Ability Impaired (DWAI) In Colorado?

 

A motorist can be convicted of Driving With Ability Impaired if he or she operates a vehicle despite using drugs and/or alcohol. Colorado DWAI penalties range from fines and community service to lengthy jail sentences. These punishments vary depending on the severity of the crime and any prior convictions. This determination is partially based on the offender's behavior and the results of a blood test.

Prison Sentences

If a Colorado driver is found guilty of DWAI, the person will probably spend at least 48 hours in jail. The maximum term of imprisonment is six months. If an individual's blood-alcohol content reaches or exceeds 0.2, prison time is required. After leaving jail, the offender may face a period of probation.

Significant Fines

When people are convicted of this crime in the Centennial State, they typically have to pay substantial fines. These penalties start at $100, and the top fine is $500. The state justice system also expects offenders to pay multiple fees and send money to various funds that are associated with dangerous driving.

Other Penalties

Courts often require convicts to undergo drug tests, attend victim impact panels and perform community service for as many as 48 hours. These tasks can add to the monetary cost of a conviction, especially if the time commitments reduce a person's income. Additionally, the justice system frequently suspends the driver's licenses of DWAI offenders. The suspension usually remains in effect for 12 months.

Repeat Offenses

Motorists usually incur stronger penalties when they have committed the same or similar crimes in the past. Related violations include driving under the influence and vehicular assault or homicide. To prevent repeat offenses, courts tend to penalize convicts with a history of intoxicated driving by demanding larger fines, longer prison sentences and more hours of community service.

Colorado DWAI penalties strongly discourage impaired driving. In addition to inflicting significant monetary losses, they often prevent convicts from working and traveling by car. Higher blood-alcohol levels and prior offenses result in harsher punishments. At the same time, it is vital for motorists to remember that the most severe penalties come from road accidents that are caused by intoxication.

HAVE YOU BEEN CHARGED WITH A DUI OR DWAI IN COLORADO AND NEED A STRONG CRIMINAL DEFENSE  ATTORNEY?
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Is Alcohol Really More Dangerous Than Heroin?

Many people mistakenly believe that heroin is more dangerous to society than alcohol. But, according to experts, nothing could be farther from the truth. Is alcohol really more dangerous than heroin?

Alcohol is readily available in every neighborhood. It can be purchased in bars, clubs, restaurants, fueling stations, convenience stores and retail establishments. A source for purchasing alcohol is usually not more than a short drive or walk for most people. Because of its availability, many people who drink don't have to wait long to get more.

Many people mistakenly assume that because it is legal to purchase alcohol for adults 21 and older in the U.S., it is automatically safer than other types of drugs. But, people can easily abuse alcohol in a variety of situations. Some may use it to self medicate. Others may use it to dull negative thoughts and emotions. Some people may use it for extreme pain. All these situations make using alcohol dangerous to the user and to those around the user. People can experience mood swings and unpredictable behaviors when they use alcohol.

Heroin use is dangerous. But, since is more expensive than alcohol, heroin is not as widely used. Also, many people who are afraid of needles will look for another way to handle their negative thoughts and feelings or handle stress.

It is rare for a person using heroin to get behind the wheel of a car. People who drink often attempt to drive. Even if a person only consumes a few drinks and thinks he or she can drive, this is usually not the case. Alcohol is often portrayed in a positive light through various forms of media. Therefore, people tend to ignore or overlook the dangers of drinking too much.

If you think heroin addiction is more serious than alcohol addiction, think again. Drinking and driving or operating machinery jeopardizes the safety and lives of many others. It's harder to teach teens and young adults about the dangers of drinking too much when it is so readily available and accepted in society and positively portrayed in media.