Denver Criminal Defense Law Firm Focuses on DUI Defense

Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Will Mount a Strong DUI Defense For You

If you’ve been charged with an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense in Colorado, in most cases you will have only seven days in which to begin defending your constitutional rights.

Who can be Charged With DUI in Colorado?

A person can be charged with DUI or DWAI in Colorado if the police officer suspects that the person is impaired or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and even prescription medications.

Initial Appearance

When charged, the person will be given a court date for an initial appearance, which is the beginning of what will likely consist of several court appearances. The ticket issued by the arresting officer will indicate when the initial appearance will be. At this hearing, also called an arraignment, the defendant will be advised of the charges against him, potential penalties, and constitutional rights afforded to every criminal defendant.

Pre-Trial Conference

A pre-trial conference is an opportunity to resolve the case without setting it for trial. Generally, evidence such as the police report, witness and defendant statements, and chemical results will not be available prior to the arraignment, although a criminal defense attorney will have the ability to gather and review this evidence, along with any mitigating and aggravating issues, and discuss the charge with the prosecuting attorney.

Motions Hearing

A motions date is designed to allow either side to file motions to be ruled upon by the judge prior to trial. At the motions hearing, both parties will argue their respective positions, and motions will be made to suppress or limit evidence, which the judge will rule upon.

Trial

The defendant has a choice of either a jury trial or bench trial, in which the judge will issue the verdict. In most cases, defendants are better off selecting trial by jury, in which six jurors determine his guilt or innocence, as opposed to a trial where the verdict rests solely upon one person, the judge.

Contact Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Are you facing DUI charges in the state of Colorado? DUI criminal defense attorney Michael T. Kossen, P.C. has focused his entire law practice solely on criminal defense and served the needs of Colorado residents since 1991. Contact him online or call (303) 791-6500 to schedule your free initial case evaluation today.