Colorado DUI Statistics
By Danielle Briones
Published on December 29, 2009
After two successive years of decline, the number of arrests in Colorado for driving under the influence (DUI) rose in 2008, but only by about one-third of 1 percent. Looking at the five-year period from 2004 to 2008, last year's total was still below the numbers for the first three years. During the period, the state's adult population rose slowly but steadily.
Another somewhat encouraging result shows that the ratio of DUI arrests to adult population, after increasing from 2004 to 2005, declined for each of the next three years.
Arrest records are compiled by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, population figures by the State Demography Office. They show 30,637 DUI arrests in 2004, 31,894 arrests in 2005, 31,130 arrests in 2006, 28,918 arrests in 2007, and 29,022 arrests in 2008.
First DUI Conviction Can Bring Up to Year in Jail
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher qualifies as DUI. A first conviction in Colorado carries penalties including a nine-month suspension of driving privileges, a fine of from $600 to $1000, jail time of from five days to one year, and 48 to 96 hours of public service. Subsequent convictions carry increased penalties.
Additional punishment may include court costs, up to $500 paid to programs dealing with persistent drunk drivers and crime victim compensation, and driver license reinstatement fees.
State Also Penalizes for Lower Blood Alcohol Level
Colorado also has another offense category, called driving while the ability to drive is impaired (DWAI), defined by a BAC of from 0.06 to 0.07 percent. DWAI carries slightly less penalties, but can affect penalties levied for subsequent DUI convictions.
Contact a DUI Lawyer
Whether you're accused of DUI or DWAI, a conviction will have a detrimental effect on your life. There will be court costs, possible loss of income, loss of driving privileges, and higher insurance premiums. You need to contact an experienced attorney who can help you deal with the consequences and get your life back on track.
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