The penalties for drunk driving in Colorado vary significantly depending on the specific offense, whether it's Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), the driver's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), and if there are any prior offenses. Generally, penalties include jail time and fines.
Colorado DUI vs. DWAI
In Colorado, there are two primary categories for impaired driving:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): This typically refers to operating a vehicle when your ability to drive is substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs, or if your BAC is .08% or higher.
- DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired): This is a lesser offense than DUI, indicating that your ability to drive is impaired "to the slightest degree" by alcohol or drugs, or if your BAC is between .05% and .08%.
Specific Penalties for Drunk Driving Offenses in Colorado
The following table outlines the jail terms and fines associated with various drunk driving offenses in Colorado, based on initial and subsequent offenses and BAC levels:
| Offense | Jail Term | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI with BAC > .20% | 10 days – 1 year | $600 – $1,000 |
| 1st DWAI | 2 days – 180 days | $200 – $500 |
| 1st DWAI with BAC > .20% | 10 days – 1 year | $200 – $500 |
| 2nd DUI/DWAI in 5 years | 10 days – 1 year | $600 – $1,500 |
These penalties represent the range of jail time and monetary fines that can be imposed for these specific offenses. It's important to note that these are some of the potential consequences, and actual penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case.
