Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD Lawyer in Larimer County
To get an Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD in Fort Collins and Larimer County, Colorado, you must be drinking alcohol, driving a motor vehicle, and be under 21 years of age. But, you can still get a Driving While Ability Impaired or a Driving Under the Influence if you are under or over 21. Let’s study the differences between these three driving and drinking crimes below, and the severe consequences which accompany each.
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What is the Age Range Necessary for an Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD?
If you are within the age range of one year old, all the way up to 20 years old, you can get an Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD. The key thing is you can’t be 21 years or older and get a UDD ticket. If your blood alcohol level is high enough, even people who are between one year old and twenty years old can get the higher offenses of a DWAI or a DUI. The lower 1-21 year age range only comes into play with a special, low blood alcohol range, which is below that required for a DWAI.
It is important to note, police presence does not guarantee you will be able to take all your belongings. If your accuser is at the home and contests you taking certain items, even those jointly owned, you will not be able to take them. There will be no discussions allowed. If the ‘victim’ says “no” then the item stays.
What is the Blood Alcohol Range for an Underage Drinking and Driving Ticket in Colorado?
The blood alcohol range for an Underage Drinking and Driving ticket sets forth a 3rd category of driving and drinking crimes, below that for a DWAI blood alcohol level. What is that range? For an Underage Drinking and Driving ticket your BAC must be between a .02 and a .05. If you hit a .051, you will qualify to be charged with a Driving While Ability Impaired, and if you are below the lower range with a .019, you should not be charged with any drinking and driving offense. However, you will likely still be charged with speeding or what ever other crime led to you being pulled over by Fort Collins Police.
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Can I get Jail for an Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD Charge in Fort Collins, Colorado?
Jail is rightly a major concern for anyone who has been drinking and driving – whether as a UDD, DWAI or DUI. Jail is not possible for a FIRST Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD, which is classified as a civil offense, unless you don’t obey court orders. But, if you get a SECOND UDD, you will face from 10 to 90 days in the Larimer County Jail at sentencing, and for a THIRD or more UDD convictions, you will face 10 to 90 days in jail. With a 3rd offense or more, judges are more inclined to give a sentence toward the upper limit. Jail is always a difficult thing to face, so if you get your first UDD, make it your last.
What are the Differences of Underage Driving and Drinking or Baby DUI, Driving While Ability Impaired and Driving Under the Influence?
Jail is rightly a major concern for anyone who has been drinking and driving – whether as a UDD, DWAI or DUI. Jail is not possible for a FIRST Underage Drinking and Driving or UDD, which is classified as a civil offense, unless you don’t obey court orders. But, if you get a SECOND UDD, you will face from 10 to 90 days in the Larimer County Jail at sentencing, and for a THIRD or more UDD convictions, you will face 10 to 90 days in jail. With a 3rd offense or more, judges are more inclined to give a sentence toward the upper limit. Jail is always a difficult thing to face, so if you get your first UDD, make it your last.
What are Class A Driving Infraction and Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense Penalties for UDD, Underage Drinking and Driving in Fort Collins, Colorado
A first offense of UDD or Underage Drinking and Driving will subject the driver to a maximum $100 fine, 24 hours of useful public service, 4 points against your DMV drivers license, a 3 month revocation of your driving privilege (with a chance to get it back after serving a 30 day revocation), and recommended alcohol treatment following an evaluation. If you get a 2nd UDD offense, it will be classified as a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense under C.R.S. 42-4-1701. That statute requires from 10 to 90 days in jail and up to a $300 fine. The driver’s license revocation is for 6 months with no chance to get it back sooner. An alcohol evaluation and treatment are required just like with a first offense, and their are 4 points are assessed against your driving privilege. A third offense has the difference of a one year license revocation.
Consequences of a UDD Conviction in Larimer County and Fort Collins
Drinking and driving as a person who is under 21 years old has huge consequences in Colorado Courts. And, the consequences have collateral consequences on top of them. Imagine not driving a car for 6 months or a year. Many jobs require travel and many jobs are not on a bus line. You may not be able to get to social events with friends, or be able to attend school. Most young adults don’t calculate the costs and consequences of a conviction and then being supervised by a probation officer who sets more rules. Some consequences can be mitigated with the assistance of a criminal defense attorney, so come meet with one of our defense lawyers. We’ll work to lessen the difficulties of a bad choice.