Steps to Take if Arrested for DUI on Colorado

Arrested for DUI in Colorado? Here’s What to Do Next — A Step-by-Step Guide from Experienced DUI Defense Attorneys

If you’ve been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Colorado, the steps you take in the first few days can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A DUI charge is a serious legal matter, and with the right guidance and action, you can begin to protect your rights, your driver’s license, and your future.

At Tiftickjian Law Firm, P.C., we’ve represented thousands of individuals charged with DUI throughout Colorado, bringing over 25 years of focused legal experience to every case. This guide will help you understand what to do immediately after an arrest and how to navigate the complex court and administrative process.

DUI attorney Jay Tiftickjian discusses Colorado DUI Crackdown

Step 1: Request a DMV Hearing Immediately

One of the most urgent steps following a DUI arrest in Colorado is addressing your driver’s license. The criminal case and your license revocation process are handled separately. The criminal case proceeds through the county court, while your license is governed by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) under the Colorado Department of Revenue.

If you took a breath test and the result was 0.08% BAC or higher (or 0.02% for drivers under 21), the officer likely confiscated your physical license and issued you an Express Consent Affidavit and Notice of Revocation. This document serves as formal notice that your license will be revoked in seven days unless you request a hearing within this timeframe.

If you refuse chemical testing, the same notice and deadline apply. A hearing must be requested through the DMV within 7 days of the date on the notice to contest the revocation and apply for a temporary permit.

If you took a blood test, your license would not be immediately confiscated. Instead, once your test results are returned and show a BAC of 0.08% or greater, the DMV will mail you a revocation notice, and you will then have 10 days from the date the notice was sent to request a hearing. You can learn more about Colorado DUI license consequences on our license revocation page.

Failing to request the hearing by the deadline will result in the automatic revocation of your license, and you may lose your ability to contest the allegations.

Step 2: Enroll in Alcohol or Drug Education and Therapy

Colorado law requires anyone convicted of DUI to complete a certified alcohol or drug education and treatment program. These courses are structured based on several factors:

Your blood or breath alcohol content (BAC)
Whether you refused testing
Your prior DUI history

The classes must be completed through a provider licensed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Different track levels (Level I, Level II Education, Level II Therapy) are assigned depending on your case details.

Our attorneys help clients determine the correct course to enroll in and can connect you with state-approved providers so that your time and money aren’t wasted on unrecognized programs.

See Colorado BHA’s list of licensed providers

Step 3: Attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panel

Many Colorado courts require or recommend that DUI defendants attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel. This one-time event includes presentations from individuals and families who have been personally affected by drunk or drugged driving crashes. Only panels directly organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving are accepted by Colorado courts. Other programs with similar names may not fulfill court requirements.

You can register online and find panels held throughout Colorado via the official MADD website.

Step 4: Consider Additional Treatment or Support

If you’re facing a second or third DUI charge—or if alcohol or substance use is a recurring issue—judges may look favorably on proactive steps toward rehabilitation.

Examples include:

Inpatient or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Participation in sober living communities or 12-step programs

Taking these steps before court can influence how a judge sentences your case and may even help in negotiating better plea terms with the prosecutor.

Step 5: Hire a Specialized DUI Attorney

Hiring a highly qualified DUI attorney isn’t just helpful—it’s often the most impactful decision you can make. The DUI process in Colorado involves court proceedings, DMV hearings, scientific evidence, and legal procedures that demand experienced legal counsel.

Your attorney should:

Specialize in DUI defense
Be recognized in the legal community
Have courtroom experience in your specific jurisdiction
Provide regular communication and case updates

Many online reviews and accolades are not credible. Be wary of:

“Pay-to-play” legal awards that don’t involve peer review.
Fake five-star reviews purchased or generated by marketing agencies

Instead, seek out a lawyer with real credentials. Attorney Jay Tiftickjian has been featured in Super Lawyers, voted Best DUI Lawyer in Colorado for over a decade, and has authored books on DUI defense used by other attorneys across the state.

Step 6: Prepare for the Long Process

DUI cases in Colorado are rarely resolved in one hearing. A typical case timeline may include:

First Appearance (Arraignment) – This is where a defendant is advised of the charges and enters a plea (guilty or not guilty)
Pretrial Hearings – Discussions of discovery and potential resolutions
Motions Hearings – Argument over admissibility of evidence and suppression of the stop and arrest
Trial – If no plea deal is reached, the case would proceed to a court trial or a jury trial
Sentencing – If found guilty at a trial by a judge or jury, or after a plea deal involving a guilty plea

This process can span 4 to 12 months, depending on the court’s docket and case complexity. Being patient, informed, and legally represented will help you stay focused and reduce stress throughout the journey.

Step 7: Take Care of Yourself

Being arrested for DUI is a highly stressful experience. Anxiety, uncertainty, and shame are common, especially for first-time offenders. But it’s important to remember that one mistake does not define your entire life.

We encourage clients to:

Maintain physical and mental health
Communicate openly with your legal team
Follow through with treatment and counseling

With time, action, and support, it’s possible to emerge from this situation stronger and more resilient.

Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Facing DUI charges in Colorado is a serious matter, but it’s not one you have to face alone. At Tiftickjian Law Firm, we dedicate our practice to DUI defense and help clients throughout the state—including in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, The Interstate 70 corridor (Eagle, Summit, and Clear Creek Counties) and rural judicial districts.

Helpful Resources:

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every DUI case is unique, and outcomes vary depending on the facts and jurisdiction. Contact a licensed Colorado DUI law firm to receive specific legal guidance.