Can I avoid jail time for a 2nd DUI in Colorado?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 Colorado law requires a mandatory minimum of 10 consecutive days in county jail for a second DUI conviction, under C.R.S. § 42-4-1307(5)(a). Whether a judge has any discretion to substitute alternatives like work release or home detention for that minimum depends heavily on […]
What is Colorado’s ‘persistent drunk driver’ designation?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 A persistent drunk driver (PDD) designation, defined under C.R.S. § 42-1-102(68.5), attaches when a driver tests at a BAC of 0.15 or higher, refuses chemical testing, has two or more prior alcohol-related convictions or license revocations, or continues driving after a restraint has […]
Can a first-offense DUI be dismissed in Colorado?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 It’s possible, though not guaranteed, and it depends heavily on the specific facts of your stop and arrest. Cases get dismissed or reduced when there are real problems with how the stop was conducted, whether testing procedures were followed correctly, or whether the […]
What are the penalties for a first-offense DWAI in Colorado?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 A first DWAI is treated as less severe than a first DUI. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1307(4)(a), it carries 2 to 180 days in county jail, a fine of $200 to $500, and 24 to 48 hours of useful public service, none of which […]
What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in Colorado?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 A first DUI in Colorado is a misdemeanor under C.R.S. § 42-4-1307, carrying 5 days to 1 year in jail, a fine of $600 to $1,000, and a 9-month administrative license revocation, though many first offenses with no aggravating factors resolve with minimal […]
DUI Defense
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 29, 2026 A DUI applies at a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or above, or whenever alcohol or drugs substantially affect your driving. A DWAI, driving while ability impaired, is a lesser charge that applies in the range above 0.05 but below 0.08, where your […]
Can you own a gun with a restraining order in Colorado?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 Generally no, once a qualifying protection order is in place. Colorado law requires a court issuing a protective order covered by the federal Lautenberg Amendment to order the restrained person to surrender firearms and ammunition, typically within 72 hours for firearms and 96 […]
Can I get my gun rights back in Colorado?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 It depends heavily on what took your rights away in the first place. For an adult felony conviction, sealing your record does not restore firearm rights, the only path back is a pardon from the Colorado governor, which generally requires having completed your […]
What is Colorado’s red flag law?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 Colorado’s red flag law allows a judge to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order, or ERPO, a civil court order that temporarily bars someone in crisis from possessing or purchasing firearms. Originally limited to family members, household members, and law enforcement, the list […]
What are Colorado’s concealed carry laws?
By Grant Grosgebauer, Mile High Legal · Last reviewed September 24, 2026 To get a Colorado concealed handgun permit, you generally need to be 21 or older, a Colorado resident, free of statutory disqualifiers like a felony conviction or certain domestic violence convictions, and able to demonstrate handgun competence. Under HB24-1174, effective July 1, 2025, […]