DUI Defense Lawyer in Colorado: Protect Your Future After a DUI Arrest
One Mistake. A Lifetime of Consequences. Unless You Fight Back
A DUI or DWAI charge in Colorado can feel like the end of the road. Your license is on the line. You might lose your job. And with every court date, the anxiety only grows.
But just because you were pulled over doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Breath tests can be wrong. Officers make mistakes. You still have rights — and the right DUI lawyer or criminal defense lawyer in Colorado can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance.
DUI and DWAI Penalties in Colorado Are Tough — Even for First Offenses
Colorado law imposes strict penalties for driving under the influence. Even a first-time DUI can lead to:
- Loss of your driver’s license
Mandatory jail time - Thousands in fines and court costs
- Alcohol education and treatment programs
- Permanent criminal record
Increased insurance premiums - Employment or immigration issues
For repeat offenses or aggravated cases (such as accidents or high BAC levels), the penalties increase dramatically — including mandatory jail, felony charges, and long-term license revocation. A DUI attorney or criminal defense lawyer in Colorado can help you fight for a better outcome.
Dion Custis: A DUI Lawyer in Colorado Who Knows How to Challenge DUI Evidence
Dion J. Custis has over 30 years of courtroom experience defending clients across Colorado and Wyoming. He understands the science behind DUI arrests — and where law enforcement often gets it wrong.
He’s successfully defended clients in cases involving:
- Inaccurate breathalyzer readings
- Illegal traffic stops
Mishandled blood or urine tests - Medical conditions affecting sobriety tests
- Police failing to follow DUI procedures
- False positives from prescription medications
From your first court appearance to your final resolution, Dion builds your case on facts, not fear — and fights to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or diverted. As your DUI lawyer and trusted criminal defense lawyer in Colorado, he knows what it takes to win.
Understanding the Charges: DUI vs. DWAI in Colorado
DUI – Driving Under the Influence – C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(1)(f)
Charged when you’re substantially incapable of safely operating a vehicle due to alcohol, drugs, or both.
- Applies with a BAC of .08% or higher
- First-time DUI can result in up to 1 year in jail, fines, and a 9-month license suspension
DWAI – Driving While Ability Impaired – C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(1)(g)
Applies when your ability to drive is even slightly impaired, typically with a BAC between .05% and .079%.
- Still a criminal offense
- May result in points on your license, fines, and jail time
DUI and DWAI are both priorable offenses — meaning penalties get worse with every charge. Even a refusal to take a chemical test can cost you your license. This is why working with a DUI attorney in Colorado is so critical.
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What to Expect After a DUI Arrest in Colorado
After being arrested for DUI or DWAI, you’re facing two battles:
- The criminal case — handled in county court
- The DMV hearing — which determines if you keep your license
You only have 7 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing — or your license will be automatically suspended. Don’t wait. A DUI lawyer like Dion Custis will handle both the court and DMV sides of your case from day one.
Common DUI Defense Scenarios Dion Custis Handles
As a seasoned DUI attorney and criminal defense lawyer in Colorado, Dion has defended clients in cases involving:
- First-time DUI with no prior record
- DUIs involving prescription medications or marijuana
- Accusations of refusal to test or test refusal penalties
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders
- College students and young drivers
- Accidents or hit-and-run allegations tied to intoxication
- DUI checkpoints and illegal traffic stops
No matter how bad it seems, you still have options — and Dion knows how to uncover them.
Additional Charges Often Filed with DUI or DWAI
In many cases, DUI charges are accompanied by other criminal allegations, such as:
- Careless or reckless driving
Driving under restraint (suspended license) - Open container violations
Minor in possession (MIP) - Vehicular assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-205) if injuries occurred
- Vehicular homicide (C.R.S. § 18-3-106) in fatal accidents
These charges add significant jail time, felony exposure, and financial penalties. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer in Colorado can fight to separate or dismiss these charges.
How Dion Custis Builds Your DUI Defense
Your case may feel hopeless — but it’s not. Dion begins with a deep dive into every detail:
- Was the traffic stop lawful?
- Were field sobriety tests administered properly?
- Were breath or blood tests calibrated and performed correctly?
- Are there any medical conditions or legal justifications?
- Were your rights violated at any stage of the process?
From there, he builds a defense strategy aimed at the best possible outcome — dismissal, reduction to a lesser charge, or avoiding a criminal conviction entirely. As your DUI attorney in Colorado, Dion never backs down.
DUI Penalties in Colorado: What’s Really at Stake?
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | Up to 1 year | $600–$1,000 | 9 months |
| Second DUI | 10 days to 1 year | $600–$1,500 | 1 year |
| Third DUI | 60 days to 1 year | $600–$1,500 | 2 years |
| Felony DUI (4+ convictions) | Up to 6 years (Dept. of Corrections) | $2,000–$500,000 | Indefinite |
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Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your license — or worse. Protect your future now.
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