Fort Collins DUI Defense Lawyer

Bruno Lilly LeClere

Our Fort Collins DUI Lawyers Are Ready To Defend Your Rights

At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Fort Collins DUI attorneys have the skills and legal knowledge you can rely on. A conviction for drunk or drugged driving in Larimer County can cost you your license and your freedom. Professional legal counsel can make a meaningful difference. To arrange a fully private case review with a Fort Collins criminal defense attorney, please contact us today.

Drunk Driving Charges in Colorado: Explained

Drunk driving is a criminal offense in Colorado. It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle on a public road in Fort Collins or elsewhere in Larimer County while under the influence of alcohol. The maximum allowable legal limit is 0.08 (C.R.S. 42-4-1301). If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit, you can be arrested and charged with DUI.

In Colorado, a drunk driver may also be charged with driving while ability impaired (DWAI) when blood alcohol concentration falls between 0.05 and 0.08. A DWAI conviction can result in fines, suspension of your license, and even jail time.

Exception: A CDL driver operating a commercial vehicle is subject to a BAC limit of 0.04. For drivers under the age of 21, the BAC limit is just 0.02.

Drugged Driving Charges in Colorado: Explained 

Drugged driving charges in Fort Collins are increasingly common as law enforcement focuses on all forms of impaired driving. If a driver is suspected of being under the influence of drugs, they may face field sobriety tests, blood tests, or urine tests. A positive result can mean criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, community service, and the revocation of their driver’s license — outcomes our Fort Collins DUI attorney works to prevent.

What are the Penalties for an Intoxicated Driving Charge in Fort Collins?

Were you or a family member arrested and charged with a DUI, DWI, DUID, or DWAI in Larimer County? Understanding your exposure to criminal liability is essential. Here is a detailed overview of the penalties for a DUI/DWAI in Fort Collins:

• First-time DUI: $600–$1,000 fine, 9-month license revocation, 5 days to one year in jail (potentially suspended).
• First-time DWAI: $200–$500 fine, no license revocation, 2 days to 180 days in jail (potentially suspended).
• Second-time DUI/DWAI: $600–$1,500 fine, one-year license revocation, 10 days to one year in jail (at least 10 consecutive days if within 5 years).
• Third-time DUI/DWAI: $600–$1,500 fine, two-year license revocation, 60 days to one year in jail (at least 60 consecutive days — no suspension permitted).

Intoxicated Drivers Can Face Other Unfavorable Consequences in Fort Collins, CO 

A DUI conviction impacts far more than your criminal record. You may lose your driver’s license, struggle to find employment, face difficulty obtaining student loans or housing, and see auto insurance rates spike dramatically. These real-world stakes are exactly what our Fort Collins DUI attorney fights to protect you from.

We Handle the Most Serious of DUI/DWAI Charges (Felony Offenses)

While intoxicated driving is generally a misdemeanor in Colorado, it can be a felony in some situations. Our Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer understands that a DUI/DWAI charge can be a life-altering event, especially when the charges are considered a felony offense. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of representation, fighting tirelessly to protect their rights and interests.

Here are some of the specific circumstances in which a drunk driving or drugged driving offense could be charged as a felony in Colorado: 

• Fourth-Time DUI/DWAI (or More): Under Colorado criminal law, a person who has been convicted of a fourth offense DUI or DWAI will face a class 4 felony criminal charge. It carries serious fines, a 2-year license revocation, and 2 to 6 years in state prison. 
• Vehicular Assault (DUI/DWAI Accident Causing Injury): If an intoxicated driver is involved in an accident causing an injury, they can be charged with felony vehicular assault. It is a serious criminal offense carrying up to six years in state prison. 
• Vehicular Homicide (DUI/DWAI Causing Death): A DUI/DWAI accident that results in a fatality to a passenger, another motorist, or pedestrian can result in a Class 3 felony vehicular homicide charge in Colorado. A conviction carries 4 to 12 years in state prison. 

DUI/DWI Charges in Fort Collins: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Talk to Police or Prosecutors After an Arrest? 

No. Never speak to police or prosecutors after a DUI arrest without a Fort Collins DUI attorney present. The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent. Always exercise it.

Am I Required to Take a Field Sobriety Test?  No. While Colorado’s implied consent law requires consent to a post-arrest chemical test, field sobriety tests are not mandated by law and are often considered unreliable. Refusing cannot be used against you in court.

Will I Lose My License for Drunk Driving in Colorado?  Your license is at serious risk. You could face an automatic administrative suspension before your criminal case is resolved. Consult a Fort Collins DUI attorney immediately after an arrest to protect your right to drive.

How Our Fort Collins DUI Attorney Can Help

As a former prosecutor, proven trial attorney, and founding partner, Havilah Lilly has deep knowledge of how cases are built — and where they can be challenged. When you reach out to our law firm, our Fort Collins DUI defense attorney will:

• Hear your story and answer questions about your rights, options, and next steps
• Investigate the drunk driving or drugged driving charges and gather evidence
• Develop a proactive defense strategy to protect your rights and interests

Contact Our Fort Collins DUI Defense Attorneys Today

At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Fort Collins criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge in handling drunk and drugged driving charges throughout Larimer County. Connect with us online to arrange a fully confidential, no-obligation appointment with a Fort Collins DUI attorney. We serve Larimer County, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, and Estes Park.