If you’ve been arrested for DUI and you’re looking for a trusted DUI attorney near Denver metro, time is not on your side. A DUI charge in Colorado isn’t just a traffic ticket — it’s a serious legal matter that can impact your license, career, and freedom. At The Moloney Law Firm, we help you fight back with clarity, strategy, and experience.
The Moloney Law Firm has earned a reputation throughout the Denver metro area for aggressive, ethical defense. Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing felony-level charges, you deserve a defense tailored to your situation and focused on your future.
Understanding Colorado DUI Charges
In Colorado, driving under the influence (DUI) means operating a vehicle while substantially incapable due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A closely related charge — driving while ability impaired (DWAI) — applies when alcohol or drugs affect you even slightly.
Even a first-time offense can carry serious penalties, including:
48–96 hours of community service for a first-time DUI
24–48 hours of community service for a first-time DWAI
Fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education, and possible jail time
A suspended driver’s license and increased insurance rates
Penalties increase with each prior conviction and can escalate to a Class 4 felony if you have three or more prior DUI-related offenses.
Why Hire a DUI Attorney Near Denver Metro?
Choosing the right DUI attorney near Denver metro gives you an advocate who understands both the legal and local terrain. Colorado DUI laws are complex, and your future may hinge on how quickly and effectively your attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate outcomes, or present your case at trial.
The Moloney Law Firm offers:
Clear explanations of your legal options
Challenges to probable cause and field sobriety test procedures
Defense strategies targeting breath/blood test flaws
Guidance through license reinstatement and DMV hearings
Representation that treats you like a person, not a case number
Alternatives to Jail: What You Should Know
In some counties across the Denver metro area, DUI courts offer an alternative approach for repeat or high-risk offenders. These courts focus on treatment, monitoring, and long-term recovery. For eligible participants, DUI court may offer a structured way to avoid incarceration while addressing the root causes of substance-related driving behavior.
We can assess your eligibility and help petition for participation in DUI court if it’s the right fit for your case.
The DUI Process in Colorado
From the moment you’re stopped, your actions — and the state’s — are under scrutiny. Here’s what typically happens:
Arrest and Chemical Testing
Summons and Complaint Issued
DMV Hearing (if timely requested)
Court Appearances & Arraignment
Pretrial Motions & Possible Dismissals
Plea Negotiation or Trial
Sentencing if Convicted
Colorado also enforces a statutory right to a speedy trial, meaning your case must typically go to trial within six months after a not guilty plea — unless waived or delayed by valid cause.
The Moloney Law Firm is ready at every step to protect your rights and minimize damage to your life.
How Sentencing Really Works in DUI Cases
Colorado law emphasizes punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. A judge must weigh your background, level of impairment, and prior record when issuing any sentence. For many first-time offenders, that may include probation, alcohol education, and community service — but jail remains a real possibility.
If you’re dealing with a third or subsequent offense, felony sentencing laws may apply, and your case may be transferred from county court to district court. We’ll guide you through these transitions and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.
The bottom line? A DUI attorney near Denver metro who knows the law — and how it’s applied locally — can be the difference between moving forward and falling behind.
Bold question?
Is a first-time DUI in Colorado a felony?
No. A first-time DUI is a misdemeanor in Colorado. It becomes a felony only after three or more prior DUI-related convictions.
Can I lose my license after a DUI arrest in Colorado?
Yes. Your license can be suspended even before your court case concludes, especially if you fail or refuse a chemical test. A DMV hearing must be requested quickly to fight the suspension.
What’s the difference between DUI and DWAI in Colorado?
DUI means you’re substantially impaired, while DWAI means your ability is impaired to the slightest degree. DWAI carries slightly lesser penalties but is still a criminal offense.
Do I have to go to jail for a DUI in Denver metro?
Jail is not mandatory for first-time DUI or DWAI offenses, but it is possible. Repeat offenses often include mandatory jail time. Alternatives like DUI court may be available.
Can a DUI attorney get my charges dropped?
It’s possible. If your rights were violated, the evidence is weak, or legal errors were made, The Moloney Law Firm may be able to seek a dismissal or reduction of charges.
TIME MATTERS IN ANY CRIMINAL CASE — ACT NOW!
Call The Moloney Law Firm at (720) 719-0850 today to schedule your free consultation.
Legal Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact a licensed Colorado criminal defense attorney like The Moloney Law Firm for specific legal guidance.
