Drivers License Revocation Information For Colorado
An area of confusion for many of our Denver, Colorado clients who have been arrested and charged with a Drunk Driving/DUI/DWAI related crime has to do with the subsequent driver’s license revocation process. Therefore, as a service to our Denver, Colorado and surrounding area Drunk Driving criminal defense clients and prospective clients, we offer the following information:
The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) is required by law to revoke the drivers license of any driver who tests dui, i.e., above 0.08 B.A.C.
The license revocation is separate from any criminal charges which may be brought by the district attorney for Drunk Driving/DUI/DWAI. Pleading guilty to a lesser offense in Court such as driving while impaired (DWAI) will not save your driving privilege. The revocation will be imposed seven days after you receive a "Notice of Revocation" either from the officer who arrested you (in the case of refusals or breath tests) or directly from the DOR in the case of blood tests, unless you make a timely written request for a hearing.
If your breath test comes out over 0.08 B.A.C. the police should issue you a Notice of Revocation and seize your license. It will take at least one to two weeks before you receive a Notice of Revocation from DOR if you took a blood test that comes back over 0.08 B.A.C. Notices for DUID are sent only if you are convicted of DUID during the court case against you.
License revocations go into effect seven days after the date of the offense, unless you request a hearing before a DOR hearing officer within that period. You may request a hearing at any DOR driver’s license office.
Driver’s license revocations of this sort last a minimum of three (3) months for a first time offense. On July 1, 2003 an amended § 42-2-126, C.R.S. went into effect which includes a probationary license program for first time offenders who have taken a test. This program increases the length of the license restrain imposed by DOR to six months total; no driving during the first month and a probationary driver’s license for the next five months. During the probationary period, any moving violation whatsoever will result in cancellation of the probationary license for the rest of the five month period. This means that a three month revocation can turn into a six month revocation if you are stopped by police just once!
If you have had your drivers license revoked before or failed to take a test, you may not be able to drive for several years depending on your driving record and the circumstance of your case. If a driver refuses to take a DUI or DUID chemical test, DOR will impose a revocation of at least one (1) year for "refusal."
If you or someone you know in Denver, Colorado or a surrounding area has been arrested or charged with Drunk Driving/DUI/DWAI or some other driving related criminal offense and needs the assistance of an experienced Drunk Driving criminal defense lawyer, then contact The Orr Law Firm, LLC to speak to an experienced Colorado DUI defense lawyer at 866-607-7558 or via their convenient contact form.
