The True Cost of a First-Time DUI in Denver: Beyond the Fines
Many Denver residents are shocked to discover that the true cost of a first-time DUI extends far beyond the initial fine. At Mile High Legal, our Denver criminal defense team regularly educates clients about the full financial impact of a DUI conviction in Colorado.
Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1307, a first-time DUI in Colorado carries fines ranging from $600 to $1,000. However, our experience defending clients throughout Denver, Lakewood, and Cherry Creek reveals that the actual costs can exceed $10,000 when all expenses are tallied.
Here's a breakdown of the true cost of a first-time DUI in Denver:
Court Fines and Costs: $600-$1,000 in fines, plus court costs of approximately $200-$500
Legal Representation: $2,500-$5,000 for an experienced Denver DUI attorney
Alcohol Education/Treatment: $500-$1,000 for required classes (varies by provider in the Denver area)
Insurance Premium Increases: expect a significant increase for monthly premiums (Denver drivers face some of the highest increases in Colorado)
License Reinstatement: $95 fee plus $90 for retaking the written test at the Colorado DMV
Ignition Interlock Device: $70-$150 for installation, plus $60-$90 monthly for the mandated period
Additionally, Denver residents often face hidden costs such as:
Lost wages from court appearances and community service
Transportation costs while your license is suspended
Potential job loss, especially if you drive for work in the Denver metro area
At Mile High Legal, our attorneys have helped hundreds of Denver clients navigate these financial challenges. We work diligently to minimize these costs through aggressive defense strategies tailored to Denver's courts and prosecutors.
Colorado's persistent drunk driver statute can also trigger additional requirements and costs for those with high BAC results—a detail many Denver drivers don't anticipate.
For a personalized assessment of how a DUI might impact your finances and future, contact our downtown Denver office for a consultation with one of our experienced DUI defense attorneys.
