Collateral Consequences

Beyond the Criminal Penalties for DUI

Our Lawyers Consider All the Potential Consequences

Many people do not understand the full ramifications of a conviction for driving under the influence. On a first offense, people think they will get their license back quickly and serve no jail time. This is not necessarily true, and there may be hidden consequences that haunt you for years to come.

As important as the criminal and administrative consequences of DUI/DWAI can be, the stigma and embarrassment of the charge can be even worse. Imagine having to explain to your child's friend why you have to blow into a tube on your steering wheel to start your car when you pick your kids up from school. Our lawyers are aware of how a DUI/DWAI can affect every aspect of your life and will strive to answer every question you have and give you advice in a confidential and caring manner, while providing aggressive representation in court and at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Before you decide to plead guilty and accept the consequences, please contact the law office of Moran & Heim, P.C. Our Colorado Springs DUI lawyers can explain:

• The criminal penalties and what they mean for your case.
• How DMV license suspension works and why you should challenge it
• The other consequences of a DUI conviction

Collateral DUI Consequences

1. A conviction (guilty plea or jury trial) sets you up for major penalties if you are ever arrested again for drunk driving or driving on a suspended license.
2. Truck drivers, chauffeurs, taxi cab drivers and anyone with a commercial driver's license (CDL) will have that license revoked for at least a year, with no opportunity for a provisional license. This could end your driving career.
3. Army/Air Force personnel may lose security clearance, delay deployment, or face sanctions if they drive military vehicles.
4. Nurses, doctors or any licensed professional may face administrative sanctions from state licensing boards.
5. Firefighters and many other public safety officials may face job loss if convicted of DUI/DWAI.
6. Colleges, employers and lenders consider DUI a red flag. You must disclose a conviction on applications, and that could disqualify you for consideration for schools, jobs, student loans and personal loans.
7. Under Colorado law, you will be required to get special SR22 (high risk) auto insurance upon reinstatement of your license. This will significantly raise your insurance premiums.
8. Inability to obtain a concealed weapon permit.
9. Barred from entry into Canada and some military bases.

Lawyers Who Understand the Consequences of DUI

Attorneys Mike Moran and Geoff Heim have handled hundreds of DUI cases. We will get answers to these questions before advising you to take any plea agreement or taking your case to trial. Call us at 719-387-0427 or e-mail us to arrange a free initial consultation. We practice in El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, Douglas and Fremont counties.