About Colorado's Express Consent Law

How The Express Consent Law Affects You

In our state, if a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the law necessitates that you consent to a chemical test. These are breath and blood tests and their purpose is to determine your blood alcohol content. You are allowed to choose which test to take but once you have made that decision it cannot be changed and if you fail to take or complete the test you chose, it will be looked upon as a refusal. Failing to consent to a chemical test will result in an automatic revocation of your driving privileges for at least 1 year.

At The Samuelson Law Firm, we can review your case and inform you as to your rights and what will need to be done to produce a favorable outcome against the charges you face. As a knowledgeable Colorado Springs DUI lawyer, I have over 15 years of experience in successfully resolving DUI arrests. My staff and I know how frightening an arrest and criminal proceedings can be and we work aggressively to see that you get the best representation possible.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest?

There are specific reasons why a police officer may have reasonable cause to request a chemical test and the law requires that certain warnings should have been given to you regarding refusing to submit to testing. Additionally, Colorado regulations specify who can give these tests and how they are to be correctly done. If any of these points have been violated in your DUI case, these may provide an effective defense in both the administrative and criminal proceedings against you.

You are permitted to have an administrative hearing with the Division of Motor Vehicles regarding the revocation of your driving privileges. Depending upon the test taken, or the refusal to be tested, you have only 7-10 days in which to request an express consent hearing or your right to be heard will be automatically lost and your license will be taken. Even if I cannot save your license during this hearing, it allows me to get a police officer's testimony under oath and see the relative strength or weakness of the criminal case against you. This can then be used towards producing the best possible outcome in your case.

Over 15 Years of DUI Defense Experience on Your Side

Being accused of drunk driving is more than a one-time deal. In fact, since Colorado does not have a lookback period, even one DUI conviction can remain on your record forever. This can prevent you from being able to access employment opportunities or work against you in any other criminal cases that you may be involved with later on. Don't let one mistake punish you for the rest of your life! Work with a DUI lawyer as soon as possible to protect your freedoms and minimize the effect this arrest has on your life.

Contact a Colorado Springs DUI attorney to understand our state's express consent law and how it affects your driving privileges.