On Halloween night, a woman dressed as a zombie was arrested not once, but twice within a 3 – hour span for drunk driving (DUI). Overall, this was her fourth arrest for drinking and driving; the first two times they reduced the charges from Driving Under the Influence (DUI) to Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) and she was able to keep her license. I’m thinking the fourth time is not the charm for this zombie and she will probably lose her license this time around. County Jail is likely too.
DUI Zombie and Multiple Offenses: What is a Habitual Offender in Fort Collins and Loveland?
Under Colorado law, this woman would be known as a habitual offender. Having 3 or more convictions of a DUI or DWAI within a seven year period, labels our zombie ‘habitual.’ Under these circumstances, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would revoke her license for an indefinite span of time. It will, however, be more than two years before she is even eligible for her license to be reinstated.
[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”100%”]Having 3 or more convictions of a DUI or DWAI within a seven year period, makes you a habitual offender.[/pullquote]How Do I Get My License Reinstated in Larimer County?
If your license has been suspended for multiple DUI or DWAI offenses, there are a few requirements you must complete before you can apply for it to be reissued in Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park.
- Complete a level II alcohol and drug education and treatment program certified by the unit in the department of human services that administers behavioral health programs and services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the laws and driving ability through the regular motor vehicle testing process.
Remember, it will be at least two years before the DMV will even consider reissuing a habitual traffic offender’s license.
What Happens When I Get My License Back?
Even after jumping through all the hoops the DMV has set up to get your license back, the restrictions are not over there. In Boulder, Grand and Larimer County, you will be required to hold an interlock – restricted license for one year. This means you have to install an approved ignition interlock device, which tests your breath alcohol content before allowing you to turn on the car. You will only be allowed to drive the vehicle with the ignition interlock device. This is required of anyone who:
- Has multiple DUI or DWAI convictions
- Is labeled a ‘Persistent Drunk Driver’
- Had a BAC of .15 or more at the time of driving
- Is labeled a ‘Habitual Offender’
What is a Fort Collins Persistent Drunk Driver?
“Persistent drunk driver” means any person who:
- Has been convicted of or had his or her driver’s license revoked for two or more alcohol-related driving violations;
- Continues to drive after a driver’s license or driving privilege restraint has been imposed for one or more alcohol-related driving offenses;
- Drives a motor vehicle while the amount of alcohol in such person’s blood, as shown by analysis of the person’s blood or breath, was 0.15 or more grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters of blood or 0.15 or more grams of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath at the time of driving or within two hours after driving; or
- Refuses to take or complete, or to cooperate in the completing of, a test of his or her blood, breath, saliva, or urine as required by Colorado law.
If you are labeled a ‘persistent drunk driver,’ you will have to drive with an interlock – restricted license for two years.
Since our attorneys only practice criminal defense, we know DUI law well. When your driver’s license and job are on the line, in Loveland, Fort Collins or anywhere in Larimer County, call us first at 970-658-0007, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.