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Legal concept

Driving While Ability Impaired

C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(1)(b)

A lesser offense than DUI in Colorado, charged when BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%.

What Right Law Group attorneys say

A good question that's come up with a lot of my clients is what happens if you're not quite at that 0.08, but you have some alcohol in your system. With the DMV, the way that they are set up, if you are below 0.08 they're not gonna revoke your license. Now, that doesn't mean that you're not gonna have issues with the criminal justice system. That's a completely separate entity, but for the purposes of the Department of Motor Vehicles, initially, if you're below that 0.08, they're not gonna revoke your license.
Alexis Austin Litle · Right Law Group's Criminal Defense Attorney, Alexis Austin: How a DUI affects your licenseWatch clip ↗
The common misconception, though, is people think well, if I'm under that 0.08 then I'm fine. For the DUI you are, but the problem is in Colorado we also have what's called a DWAI, that's driving while ability impaired. For DWAI, it's not where you're driving so that you're so impaired that you can't maybe function, or get home to the level you are at a DUI, but driving while ability impaired means that you're impaired to the slightest degree. And that's still a crime here in Colorado. So, driving with any kind of impairment whatsoever is not a great idea, let's just put that out there. But legally if you are at a 0.05 to a 0.08 you can be criminally charged for driving while ability impaired.
Alexis Austin Litle · Right Law Group's Criminal Defense Attorney, Alexis Austin: Different Types of DUI charges in COWatch clip ↗
So, misdemeanor world you have DUI alcohol, DWAI alcohol, and then you have DUI with THC, that five nanograms, and technically the district attorneys can also file charges for you to have a DWAI for THC if it's under the five nanograms. Now that is a little bit of a stronger case for us because we can combat that a little bit with research that's come out from Boston, Massachusetts and a couple of other places. But those are what you're looking at for misdemeanor levels.
Alexis Austin Litle · Right Law Group's Criminal Defense Attorney, Alexis Austin: Different Types of DUI charges in COWatch clip ↗
driving while ability impaired means that you're impaired to the slightest degree. And that's still a crime here in Colorado.
Alexis Austin Litle · Right Law Group's Criminal Defense Attorney, Alexis Austin: Different Types of DUI charges in COWatch clip ↗
okay let's look at the two most common types of cases that have therapy involved so duis and domestic violence cases dui cases you're going to have to go if you are convicted or take a plea for anything that is an alcohol related offense if it's the dui if it's a dwai even if it's what we call a wet reckless if you have any of those please you have to do alcohol treatment and therapy on the other hand if you have a domestic violence charge and you have a plea of some kind or you have a deferred sentence you're going to have to do domestic violence classes now in both of these cases the way that they're set up especially in el paso county is before you're sentenced so you take a plea agreement in front of the judge you enter your plea of guilty but then before your sentence on a dui you have to go through an evaluation
Alexis Austin Litle · RLG Live | Probation + Therapy in Criminal/Traffic Cases // Right Law Group #coloradoWatch clip ↗

Frequently asked questions

3 Painfully Obvious Reasons You Need A DUI Attorney

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Have you been arrested for DUI in Colorado ? Think it’s time to call a Colorado Springs DUI attorney? If you have been caught driving under the influence in Colorado or arrested for DUI , then you may be facing some severe penalties."

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Can I Really Get a DUI on a Bike?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "In recent years, bicycling has transitioned from a fun activity to a serious mode of transportation. Just as with drinking while driving, drinking while cycling has become a law enforcement challenge."

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Right Law Group's guide explains: "The problem with traffic tickets is that, eventually, they come back to bite you. But you know this all too well if you’ve had your driving privileges revoked or suspended in Colorado ."

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Does Colorado Have A Zero Tolerance Law For DUI?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Colorado drivers under the legal drinking age are subject to zero tolerance law, making a DUI a very serious offense that brings major consequences and penalties."

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driving while ability impaired means that you're impaired to the slightest degree.

Alexis explains: "driving while ability impaired means that you're impaired to the slightest degree. And that's still a crime here in Colorado."

Answered by Alexis Austin Litle · Watch clip
DUI Blood Tests Legal Rights and Consequences

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Understanding your rights and the potential consequences is crucial. This article aims to shed light on the complex world of Colorado DUI blood tests."

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Right Law Group's guide explains: "If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Colorado , we understand if you’re worried and anxious about what will happen to you."

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Right Law Group's guide explains: "What does DUI jail time look like? How much jail time do you get for a DUI in Colorado? These are always the first questions a lawyer will hear."

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Right Law Group's guide explains: "It may be legal to buy, sell, and enjoy cannabis in the Centennial State, but marijuana use doesn’t go unchecked in Colorado."

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Right Law Group's guide explains: "If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI in Colorado , you may be wondering what penalties you’ll face and how you’ll be charged."

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Keep Track of Your BAC: Essential Safety Tips

Right Law Group's guide explains: "During a night out with your friends, you’re probably using less than scientific words like “tipsy,” “buzzed,” or “plastered."

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The common misconception, though, is people think well, if I'm under that 0.08 then I'm fine.

Alexis explains: "The common misconception, though, is people think well, if I'm under that 0.08 then I'm fine. For the DUI you are, but the problem is in Colorado we also have what's called a DWAI, that's driving while ability impaired. For DWAI, it's not where you're driving so that you're so impaired that you can't maybe function, or get home to the level you are at a DUI, but driving while ability impaired means that you're impaired to the slightest degree. And that's still a crime here in Colorado. So, driving with any kind of impairment whatsoever is not a great idea, let's just put that out there. But legally if you are at a 0.05 to a 0.08 you can be criminally charged for driving while ability impaired."

Answered by Alexis Austin Litle · Watch clip
Understanding the Offense Levels for Controlled Substance Possession

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Understanding the nuances of the law is crucial for effective representation. One such law is the Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) statute."

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What Are the Possible Penalties for DUIs?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "A Complete Guide to Colorado DUI Consequences Getting pulled over for suspected DUI can be one of the most terrifying experiences of your life."

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What Evidence Does the Prosecutor Use in Colorado DUI Cases?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Ever wondered how the state builds a case against you in a DUI charge ? It might seem like it all comes down to the blood alcohol content (BAC) number."

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What Is A DUI?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "What Is A DUI? Facing Charges? A DUI can have lasting consequences that negatively affect your life and future plans. What is a DUI and what does that mean for my future?"

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What is the difference between DWAI and DUI in Colorado?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Two terms that can come up in connection to allegations of drunk driving here in Colorado are DUI and DWAI. It is important to note that these terms are not interchangeable."

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Each answer links directly to the source where a Right Law Group attorney addressed this question.

18 answers grounded in Right Law Group sources

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