Colorado Third Offense DUI Lawyer

A third DUI in Colorado carries extremely harsh penalties. At this stage, judges and prosecutors no longer see the case as a “mistake” — they see it as a pattern. That means you are facing mandatory jail time, long-term driver’s license revocation, and life-changing consequences if convicted.

If you’ve been charged with a third DUI, you need a lawyer who knows how to fight back aggressively while also building a strategy that minimizes damage and keeps you moving forward.

Penalties for a Third DUI in Colorado

If convicted of a third DUI, the court must impose:

• Jail: mandatory 60 days up to 1 year in county jail (the 60 days cannot be suspended)
• Fines: up to $1,500, plus court costs and surcharges
• License revocation: up to 2 years, with longer suspensions possible if you refused testing
• Ignition interlock device: mandatory for at least 2 years once you’re eligible for reinstatement
• Alcohol education and treatment: intensive and long-term programs
• Community service: up to 120 hours

A third DWAI also carries mandatory jail (minimum 60 days).

Collateral Consequences of a Third DUI Conviction

• Severe impact on employment, especially if your job requires driving
• Auto insurance cancellation or skyrocketing premiums
• Immigration problems for non-citizens
• Being labeled a “habitual offender” in court and by the DMV
• Harsher penalties for any future offenses (a fourth DUI is a felony in Colorado)

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Third DUI

At the third offense level, prosecutors often push for maximum penalties, and courts are less forgiving. But that does not mean the case is hopeless. An experienced DUI defense attorney can:

• Challenge the stop, arrest, or testing procedures
• Examine whether the prosecution can actually prove the prior convictions
• Negotiate for sentencing alternatives when possible
• Present mitigation that shows you are more than a court file and are taking steps to turn your life around

With 20+ years of experience defending DUI cases across Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Weld, and Denver, I know what it takes to defend serious repeat-offender cases and protect my clients’ futures.

Defense Strategies for Third Offense DUIs

Defenses may include:

• Attacking the legality of the traffic stop and arrest
• Questioning the reliability of the breath or blood test
• Challenging the validity or proof of prior convictions (if the DA can’t properly prove a prior, it cannot be used to enhance your penalties)
• Arguing for alternative sentencing when possible — such as in-home detention or work release — by building a proactive defense and mitigation strategy that shows the court you are taking responsibility and working to change course

Quick FAQ – Third DUI in Colorado

Will I go to jail?

Yes. Colorado law requires a minimum of 60 days in jail for a third DUI conviction. However, depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances, I may be able to argue for alternative forms of sentencing, such as in-home detention or work release.

Will I lose my license?

Quite possibly. A third DUI can result in a multi-year license revocation. That said, we fight the case on both fronts: DMV and criminal court. If there’s a way to save your license, we’ll fight tooth and nail to keep it. If you lose your license, I make it a top priority to get you back on the road legally through early reinstatement.

Is there any way to avoid a third DUI conviction?

Possibly. Every case is unique. If there are weaknesses in the evidence — or if the DA struggles to prove prior convictions — there may be room to negotiate for a lesser charge or reduced penalties.

Call Me Today

If you’ve been charged with a third DUI in Colorado, your freedom and future are at serious risk. Call me at 303-355-5148 for a free consultation.

You’ll speak directly with me, Monte Robbins.