Colorado First Offense DUI Lawyer – Experienced Defense for First-Time DUI Charges

Getting arrested for a first DUI in Colorado is frightening. Most people charged with a first offense have never been in trouble before — and they’re shocked by how serious the penalties can be.

Even a first conviction can mean jail, a suspended driver’s license, costly fines, and mandatory alcohol classes. It’s important to take this charge seriously and get help from an experienced Colorado First Offense DUI Lawyer right away.

Penalties for a First DUI in Colorado

If convicted, a first DUI can bring:

• Jail: By law, the court must impose 5 days up to 1 year. In many first-offense cases, this time can be suspended if certain conditions are met.
  • If your BAC was .20 or higher, the law requires a minimum of 10 days. However, this can sometimes be challenged — for example, if a retest shows a lower result or if there were problems with how the sample was drawn or stored. If jail cannot be avoided, alternative sentencing such as in-home detention or work release may be possible.
• Fines: Up to $1,000, plus court costs and surcharges.
• License Revocation: Nine months, with possible early reinstatement and ignition interlock.
• Alcohol Education and Treatment: Mandatory classes and therapy.
• Community Service: Up to 96 hours.

A DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) conviction is slightly less severe but still serious, with fines, license points, and probation.

Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Beyond court penalties, a DUI conviction can affect:

• Employment opportunities
• Auto insurance rates (often huge increases)
• Professional or commercial licenses
• Travel to Canada and other countries
• Immigration status — DUIs can cause serious visa or residency issues

How I Defend First Offense DUI Cases

Even in a first DUI, the prosecution must prove its case. As a Colorado First Offense DUI Lawyer, I look for every opportunity to weaken that proof, including:

• Challenging the legality of the stop or arrest
• Attacking the accuracy of breath or blood tests
• Questioning field sobriety testing and officer observations
• Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing

Why Hire Me

I’ve defended DUI cases in Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Weld, and Denver Counties for more than 20 years. Many of my clients are good people who made a mistake — but they still deserve the strongest defense possible.

When you hire me, you work directly with me — not a junior associate or paralegal. I handle your case personally, from start to finish.

Quick FAQ – First DUI in Colorado

Will I have to go to jail?

It depends. Colorado law requires a minimum sentence, but for most first-time DUI offenders, judges often suspend that time when the law allows. We fight hard to keep clients out of jail and to argue for suspended or alternative sentences.

If your BAC was .20 or higher, the law requires at least 10 days. There are ways to challenge that — such as retesting the blood or examining how the sample was handled.

Will I lose my license?

Maybe. There are two ways to lose your license after a DUI arrest:

• Through the Express Consent DMV process, if your BAC was .08+ or you refused testing.
• Through a DUI conviction in court.

To keep your license, you must prevail in both the DMV hearing and the court case — another reason to have an experienced Colorado First Offense DUI Lawyer.

Do I really need a lawyer for my first DUI?

Yes. Every case is unique. A skilled DUI lawyer can identify legal issues, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your license, record, and future.

Can I get probation instead of jail?

Often yes. Probation is common for first-time offenders, usually with alcohol classes and community service. Avoiding active jail time is frequently possible.

How is DWAI different from DUI?

DWAI requires proof of “impairment,” not “intoxication.” Penalties are lower but still count as a prior offense for future DUIs.

Call Me Today

If you’ve been arrested for a first DUI in Colorado, don’t wait. Call Colorado First Offense DUI Lawyer Monte Robbins at 303-355-5148 for a free consultation.

You’ll speak directly with me — not a call screener or junior associate.