Highlands Ranch DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Highlands Ranch, CO

There is a lot at stake in a DUI case. Jail time, heavy fines, and license suspension can have a negative impact on your employment, relationships, and reputation. A Highlands Ranch DUI lawyer can provide aggressive defense against these harsh penalties to protect your future.

Why Choose Fuller & Ahern, P.C?

Since our founding in 1997, Fuller & Ahern, P.C. has been committed to providing results-driven defense against criminal charges. We know DUI charges can be frightening, but we seek to make this process easier by explaining each step of your case and supporting you along the way. Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of Colorado’s DUI laws and are skilled at creating effective defense strategies against even the most complex DUI cases.

Drinking and Driving in Colorado

With slowed reaction times, less vehicle control, and impaired judgment, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can be deadly. In Colorado, there were about 16,000 DUI arrests in 2025, with impaired drivers involved in 1 in 3 fatal crashes. Highlands Ranch drivers should take extra precautions around Highlands Ranch Parkway, University Boulevard, and along C-470, where DUI arrests and accidents are more common.

You can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or if your driving is impaired by alcohol. However, even if you are lower than this limit and your driving is not significantly affected, you can still face charges. A driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge is when your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.079%.

Colorado’s DUI Penalties

Penalties can vary depending on your charges, what your BAC was, prior convictions, and whether you caused any damage. Your Highlands Ranch DUI attorney can explain the penalties for your charges and determine a strategy to reduce them. Some common consequences for a DUI conviction include:

• License suspension. Most first offenses will lead to a nine-month license suspension, while a third offense can result in a 24-month suspension. A DUI adds 12 points to your driving record.
• Jail. The minimum sentence for a DUI is five days in jail, though most offenses can result in up to a year in jail. The length of time in jail increases if you have three or more prior convictions.
• Fines. Fines range from $600 -$1,500. This does not include the legal fees and the cost of required treatment programs.
• Public service. 48-120 hours of public service are required for DUI offenders.
• Education and treatment programs. Offenders are required to complete a certified drug and alcohol education or treatment program.

Why You Should Hire a DUI Lawyer

Trying to navigate an arrest and defend yourself in court without a lawyer can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. An experienced Highlands Ranch DUI lawyer can:

• Defend your rights. When you are arrested in a DUI case, law enforcement begins gathering evidence against you. You have the right against self-incrimination and against unreasonable searches and seizures, but these can be difficult to uphold in the face of complex police conduct laws. A lawyer can communicate on your behalf and advise you on what to do and say, protecting your rights and preventing you from incriminating yourself.
• Develop a legal strategy. Lawyers use a variety of techniques to craft a legal strategy suited to the specific details of your case. By analyzing unreliable or faulty evidence and identifying instances of police misconduct, a lawyer can find a strategy to defend against the charges.
• Negotiate for a favorable outcome. Ultimately, a Highlands Ranch DUI attorney can help you move forward after DUI charges. Their relentless advocacy on your behalf and knowledge of Colorado’s DUI laws can be used to achieve outcomes such as:
  • Dismissed charges
  • Reduced charges
  • Lighter penalties
  • Alternative sentencing options

FAQs

What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for a DUI in Highlands Ranch, CO?

If you are arrested for a DUI in Highlands Ranch, CO, there are several things to remember. Try to remain calm and comply with law enforcement. You will likely be taken to the Douglas County Jail for processing. Exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak to your lawyer. Contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C., immediately, and we can advise you on the next steps.

Can You Refuse a Blood or Breath Test in Colorado?

No, if you are arrested under suspicion of a DUI, you cannot refuse a blood or breath test. Colorado has an Express Consent Law, under which all drivers are considered to have given consent to chemical testing if they are arrested for a DUI. If you refuse a chemical test, you can face additional penalties, such as an interlock ignition device (IID) for 2 years, automatic license suspension, or a longer DUI sentence.

What Is a Persistent Drunk Driver in Colorado?

A persistent drunk driver (PDD) is a designation for repeat DUI offenders. You can be classified as a PDD if you have two or more DUI or DWAI convictions, a BAC of 0.15% or above, refused a chemical test, or driven while your license was suspended. Being a PDD increases the penalties and requirements for license reinstatement, such as requiring an IID.

Can You Use a Plea Bargain for a DUI Case?

Yes, a plea bargain can reduce charges and penalties in a DUI case. Your lawyer can negotiate for a plea bargain, such as by pleading down from a DUI to a DWAI charge, so you receive the lighter penalties associated with a DWAI charge. Even if it is not possible to reduce your charges, if you hire a DUI lawyer, they can negotiate for lighter penalties or an increased focus on treatment rather than criminal penalties.

Speak With a Highlands Ranch DUI Attorney Today

Thrown into an investigation, chemical testing, and the criminal justice system, a DUI arrest can make you feel powerless. The skilled attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C. can give you confidence during a DUI case by explaining the processes involved, the DUI laws, and a plan to defend against your charges. Contact us today for a 100% free case consultation to learn how our compassionate attorneys can guide you through your charges and achieve positive results.