Pueblo DUI Defense Lawyer
The DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws in Colorado can be a bit confusing at times. It’s vital that you understand the law so you can do your best to avoid an arrest or a conviction. A helpful way to look at the DUI laws in Colorado is to view them as subsections that you can be charged with and convicted of. If you were arrested for driving under the influence or have any questions about the DUI laws in Pueblo, Colorado, don’t hesitate to contact Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C.
Our experienced Pueblo defense attorneys can help you understand the DUI laws and determine the best course of action for your case. Contact our DUI defense lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Pueblo DUI Lawyer
As noted above, there are several different types of a DUI offense that you can be charged with, depending on your blood alcohol content and your level of impairment. When you hire a local Pueblo experienced DUI lawyer, they will know how to prepare and defend your case based on local laws and rules of procedure. DUIs often carry mandatory sentences, so while the penalties may not always be that harsh, it’s essential to hire a lawyer who’s familiar with Colorado’s laws and DUI defenses. They can use their knowledge and experience to get your charges reduced so you face less severe penalties, which could mean the difference between a very short period of jail time or a lengthier sentence.
DUI Defenses in Colorado
There are quite a few defenses your attorney can present for a DUI charge; some of the most common include the following:
You Weren’t Driving
One of the most obvious defenses to a DUI charge is that you weren’t driving – either you were in the car but weren’t operating the vehicle, or someone else was driving. This comes up a lot if there was an accident and the police didn’t actually see the accident or who was driving the car. Often, they arrive at the scene after the incident has occurred and everyone is standing around outside of their vehicles. If they investigate and determine that they believe that you were the driver, they will arrest you. If you have any evidence that you weren’t actually driving, this is obviously an excellent way to defend yourself in this situation.
This can also be a defense if the police find you in the driver’s seat, but the car was turned off, and/or you never actually drove it anywhere.
There was another reason for your bad driving
Drugs and alcohol obviously aren’t the only explanations for bad driving. If the police stop you and don’t administer any chemical test, they will have to base the entire case on their observations. This often includes whether they noticed the smell of alcohol on you or coming from the car, observed bad or distracted driving, or noticed other behaviors that caused them to believe you were under the influence. If you honestly didn’t have anything to drink, you might be able to defend yourself by providing another explanation as to why your driving wasn’t up to par.
No probable cause for the stop
In order for the police to legally stop you while you’re driving, they must have probable cause to do so. This means the officer must have reasonable suspicion that you are engaged in criminal activity. You can also be legally stopped for a small infraction, such as a minor traffic violation. If you didn’t commit any traffic violations and the police had no reason to believe you were doing anything illegal, your attorney should challenge the stop. If they successfully argue that there was no probable cause for the stop, they should be able to get any evidence and observations that came after you were stopped by the police suppressed – meaning that the evidence and observations obtained as a result of the traffic stop cannot be used at trial.
The DUI Defense Lawyers at Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C. Can Help
Whether it’s your first DUI or your fifth DUI, these charges can carry severe consequences and should always be taken seriously. Our Pueblo DUI defense attorneys are familiar with the local rules and laws, and we will do everything in our power to obtain the best outcome for your case. As a former prosecutor, our attorneys have the unique ability to see your case from both sides, allowing us to anticipate the prosecution’s arguments.
If you were arrested or have any DUI-related questions, contact Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C. today for a free and confidential case evaluation.