From outdoor experiences to world-class shopping and dining, Denver offers plenty for its visitors and residents to do. Alcohol is a common ingredient in local entertainment, and area law enforcement agencies are on the lookout for those who have been driving after drinking or doing drugs.

If you’ve been accused of a DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of well over the legal limit, it is important to have the assistance of a Denver aggravated DUI lawyer as you prepare your defense. Seasoned DUI attorney and former prosecutor Mike Petrash could help protect your rights, build a strong defense, and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.

What Is Aggravated DUI?

Like nearly every state in the nation, Colorado has a legal BAC limit for adult, non-CDL drivers of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood. Those operating a motor vehicle on public roadways with this BAC or higher can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). However, certain factors will increase the severity of the charge, leading to an aggravated DUI charge. Some of those factors include:

  • Past DUI convictions
  • A BAC of .17 or higher
  • Transported minors in the vehicle while impaired
  • An accident in which someone experienced bodily harm or death

It should be noted that there is no specific “lookback” period for Denver DUIs. This means that related driving offenses can impact the potential sentencing for an aggravated DUI conviction, no matter how long ago it occurred or where it happened. Minors and CDL drivers are held to lower BAC limits.

The Potential Consequences of an Aggravated DUI Conviction

A first-time DUI conviction carries potential consequences, including up to a year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, a license suspension, useful public service, and interlock ignition requirements. These consequences are all increased with subsequent DUI convictions.

Being convicted of aggravated DUI in Denver for an excessively high BAC or causing injuries and death can also lead to increased incarcerations, fines, and other consequences.

How a Lawyer Could Help

An experienced criminal defense lawyer has an important role in assisting those who have been charged with aggravated DUI, including:

  • Initially helping defendants to understand their legal options
  • Developing a defense strategy to reduce or eliminate the charges or their consequences
  • Ensuring that their civil rights are respected during the investigation, arrest, and criminal court process

In some cases, a legal professional may question the police procedures during a traffic stop, the validity of tests performed on the defendant, such as blood or breath tests, or introduce other evidence that casts doubt on the defendant’s impairment at the time of the stop. In other cases, an attorney could negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to reduce the severity of the charge or the consequences the defendant faces.

Contact a Denver Aggravated DUI Attorney Today

If you have been accused of aggravated DUI, an attorney could help you understand the legal battle you’re facing while learning more about the goals you have for your defense. Contact a well-practiced Denver aggravated DUI lawyer today to learn more about defending yourself from the charges you face and the services he can provide to assist you in the criminal defense process.

As a former senior prosecutor, attorney Mike Petrash has worked on both sides of the criminal process. This allows him a unique understanding of how law enforcement personnel and prosecutors think and the tools that are available to help ensure that his clients receive proper representation. Contact Mike Petrash today and schedule a consultation to get started.