Category Archives: General
Colorado First Offense: Manufacturing Charge
When someone faces a manufacturing charge in Colorado for the first time, it can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. These charges can be severe and carry significant consequences. Understanding the implications and what to expect is crucial for anyone managing this situation. This article will discuss the nature of manufacturing charges, the legal… Read More »
Understanding Colorado Marijuana Laws and How They Play Into a Strong DUI Defense
Colorado’s marijuana laws have undergone significant changes over the past decade, largely due to the state’s pioneering role in legalizing cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use. As a result, the legality surrounding marijuana-related offenses has evolved, impacting how DUI cases are handled. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone managing a DUI defense,… Read More »
Colorado DUI Breath Testing
Have you or someone you know been pulled over and subjected to a breath test in Colorado? The state takes driving under the influence (DUI) seriously, and the laws here reflect that commitment to safety. If you’re stopped by law enforcement and they suspect you’re under the influence, chances are you’ll be asked to… Read More »
The Pseudo-Science of Field Sobriety Testing
In a world that’s always advancing scientifically and technologically, it’s frustrating how certain traditional methods persist despite lacking solid proof. One example is the field sobriety test (FST) used by Colorado police to check if someone is impaired while driving. How reliable are these tests? As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer at Watkins Law… Read More »
What Qualifies as “Reasonable Suspicion” for a DUI?
When flashing blue lights appear in your rearview mirror, it’s crucial to know the difference between a routine traffic stop and one that escalates due to ‘reasonable suspicion’ of DUI. This standard allows officers to investigate further based on specific and articulable facts. Understanding reasonable suspicion empowers you with knowledge to know your rights… Read More »
What Does the Prosecution Have to Prove for a DUI Conviction?
The conviction rate for DUIs in Colorado has significantly increased, especially after the launch of a program by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2019 to offer free alcohol and drug testing to all state law enforcement agencies. The conviction rate rose to 88 percent, and for Delta-9 THC and polydrug DUI cases,… Read More »
What to Expect at Your DUI Trial
Being charged with a DUI is an experience that can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and fearful for your future. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can be daunting, potentially affecting your personal life, your career, and your peace of mind. It’s a situation that demands understanding, compassion, and most importantly, dependable legal guidance…. Read More »
What You Need to Know About a DUI Checkpoint
In 2022, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that there were 271 impaired driving fatalities in the state, an increase of 255 the year before. Colorado, like all states, takes impaired driving seriously, and one of the deterrents police employ are DUI (driving under the influence) checkpoints. In most situations, police must have… Read More »
Are DUI Charges Ever Dismissed?
Many people charged with DUI in Colorado ask the question, “Can my DUI charge be dismissed?” The answer is that they can, but it’s not often. In 2020, conviction rates were nearly 87% for underage DUI, 78% for DUI, and nearly 98% for driving while impaired (DWAI). The ramifications of a conviction on any… Read More »
DUI Resulting in Fatality Charges
Being accused of drunk driving is always an intimidating and stressful experience. However, things can get even worse if you are accused of DUI resulting in someone’s death. DUI resulting in fatality charges can lead to imprisonment, hefty fines, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record, among other severe consequences. Given the serious nature… Read More »
