The legislature has created harsh consequences for those facing license revocation for DUI and DUID. The laws have changed to mandate interlock devices and loss of license without probationary licenses. Fortunately, the 2013 Legislature enacted a few changes in the persistent drunk driving laws that change the consequences for losing your license at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The new changes only apply to drivers over the age of 21 at the time of driving. The biggest change is the loss of license for refusing a chemical test of your blood or breath.
Currently, if you refuse to take a chemical test of your blood or breath to determine alcohol levels, you potentially lose your license for ONE YEAR with no chance of a probationary license. Starting January 1, 2014, if you refuse a chemical test, the new law allows a probationary license with an interlock for one year, after serving 60 days of no driving.
This is a great change for people who refuse to take a chemical test. With the change in the law that benefits the driver comes a change that stiffens the requirement for an interlock device. Currently if you have blood or breath alcohol level greater than a 0.17 and you lose your license, the law requires an interlock device for two years. The new law requires two years of interlock for alcohol levels greater than 0.15.
Another change includes the concurrent revocation of the license with any revocation based on the results of the criminal case.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
Hire an experienced Denver DUI lawyer who can navigate the drivers license consequences as well as the criminal case. It is important to determine the possible consequence of being charged, the drivers license consequences and the consequences of potential outcomes of the criminal case.
