The State of Colorado has strict laws against driving under the influence. DUIs have severe consequences, but for military members, the punishments can be long-reaching and life-altering. If you are facing a military DUI in Colorado, you need the help of an experienced military DUI attorney.
In Colorado, it is illegal to drive a vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, meets a certain level. BAC limits are as follows:
In cases where BAC levels are 0.15% or higher, additional penalties may be assessed, which can include mandatory jail time or having to install an ignition interlock device.
If the DUI was issued while you were driving on a military base, the consequences can be severe. Military members face more severe punishments for a DUI whether or not the incident took place on a military installation.
If you were charged with a military DUI in Colorado, it’s essential to understand the consequences that you face, whether you need a lawyer, and your options.
A DUI can have severe and life-altering consequences for military personnel. If you were issued a DUI while driving on a military installation, the charge will fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and will not be handled by civilian courts.
Even if the State of Colorado charged you, you might still face punishment by your commanding officer in addition to the state’s penalties. These punishments can include:
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be charged with other military crimes, such as disorderly conduct.
A DUI conviction can affect the future of your military career as well as your personal relationships and financial future.
The military consequences you face will depend on your commanding officers. Some officers will wait to see the court’s ruling before taking any action. Others demand immediate disciplinary action.
In addition to punishments from the UCMJ, you face civilian consequences, which include both criminal and administrative punishments.
If the DUI was issued on a military installation, it would likely be considered a federal offense. A DUI conviction in a federal court can have severe penalties, including:
Military bases are considered federal land, so implied consent laws will also apply. Implied consent laws require drivers who are suspected of a DUI to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test. If you refuse, you can face prison time and be charged with a federal misdemeanor.
The DMV will also get involved, and you will need to attend a hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether or not your license should be revoked or suspended. The DMV hearing can be just as important as the trial, so it’s important to have the help of an experienced attorney.
If you are facing a military DUI, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced military DUI attorney.
Not only do you face the civilian consequences of a DUI, but you also face the military’s consequences. A conviction can affect your career, your freedom, and your future. With so much on the line, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense legal team.
An attorney with experience handling military DUI cases will know how to build a strong defense and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
The Veterans Trauma Court can provide an alternative to incarceration for active-duty military members and veterans with substance abuse issues. Individuals must be proven to be high need and high risk.
Those who participate in the program must commit to treatment and counseling and attend their court appearances. Participants also have access to educational, employment, and housing resources.
Veterans Trauma Court may be an option for veterans or military members facing a DUI. While the program is an alternative to incarceration, it’s still important to work with an experienced and skilled attorney to navigate these waters.
If you or a loved one is facing a military DUI in Colorado, it is crucial to work with an attorney who understands your case and the true weight of the consequences you face.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and talk with our military DUI attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether or not you will get discharged from the military for a DUI conviction depends on the details of your particular situation. But yes, if the DUI was severe enough, and particularly if it occurred on a military base, it is possible to be discharged for a DUI.
In Colorado, a DUI can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Generally, with no prior DUI convictions, a DUI will be charged as a misdemeanor. If a person has several previous DUIs on their record, however, they will likely be looking at felony charges.
A military DUI conviction will carry even stronger penalties than a DUI for a civillian. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to reach out to a DUI lawyer as soon as possible if you are a military member who has been charged with DUI.
