Denver Revoked License Lawyer

If you’re facing charges for driving under revocation (DUR) in Colorado, you need an experienced Denver revoked license lawyer to protect your rights. Driving on a revoked license is a serious offense that can lead to steep fines, extended license revocation, and even jail time. Don’t let this snowball out of control and contact DeChant Law to help you navigate these charges and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

What is Driving Under Revocation (DUR)?

In Colorado, driving under revocation occurs when you are caught driving with a revoked license. A revoked license means your driving privileges have been permanently removed, and you must apply to have them reinstated. If you’re caught driving without reinstating your license, you face serious legal consequences.

When Can a Colorado Driver’s License Be Revoked?

A license can be revoked for several reasons, including:

• Accumulating too many penalty points due to traffic offenses
• A conviction for a serious traffic crime (such as vehicular homicide or DUI)
• Violating certain court orders, such as failure to pay child support
• Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI)

Once revoked, a license is not automatically reinstated, and a driver must meet the state’s requirements for license reinstatement before being allowed to drive again.

Penalties for Driving Under Revocation in Colorado

The penalties for driving under revocation vary based on several factors, including the reason your license was revoked and whether you have prior DUR convictions. Potential penalties include:

• First offense (non-alcohol related):
  • Up to six months in jail
  • Up to $500 in fines
  • A minimum one-year extension of your revocation
• Second or subsequent offense (non-alcohol related):
  • Potentially an additional three years of license revocation
  • Up to six months in jail
  • Up to $500 in fines
• First offense (alcohol-related):
  • Minimum 30 days in jail (mandatory)
  • Up to one year in jail
  • $500 to $1,000 in fines
  • A minimum one-year extension of your revocation
• Second or subsequent offense (alcohol-related):
  • Minimum 90 days in jail (mandatory)
  • Up to two years in jail
  • $500 to $3,000 in fines
  • Potentially an additional four years of license revocation

Additionally, a DUR conviction can lead to further legal consequences, such as a permanent criminal record, difficulty securing employment, and long-term restrictions on your driving privileges.

How Can a Driving Under Revocation Defense Attorney Help?

If you’re facing driving under revocation charges, it is crucial to have an experienced defense attorney on your side. A skilled attorney can:

• Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
• Argue that you were unaware of the revocation
• Negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce penalties
• Explore possible defenses, such as emergencies or choice of evils

Our driving under revocation defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and minimizing the consequences of a DUR conviction.

Defenses to Driving Under Revocation Charges

There are several potential defenses against driving under revocation charges. These include:

• Lack of knowledge: The prosecution must prove that you were aware your license was revoked. If you weren’t properly notified, your attorney can argue that you did not have the requisite knowledge.
• Invalid traffic stop: If the police officer who stopped you violated your rights, this could be grounds for dismissing the charges.
• Emergency situations: If you were forced to drive due to a medical emergency or another compelling reason, this can serve as a defense.
• Involuntary actions: If you were coerced or threatened into driving, this can also be used in your defense.

Department of Revenue Administrative Suspension: Why It Happens

In Colorado, your driving record is tracked by the Colorado Department of Revenue, which assigns penalty points for each traffic offense. These points accumulate over time, and if you reach a certain threshold, your license can be suspended. This could happen if you plead guilty to a traffic offense, pay a speeding ticket, or lose a case at trial. Once suspended, your license may be revoked for an extended period, and you may be required to apply for reinstatement.

While this process can seem automatic, you have the right to fight your suspension. A DUS defense attorney can help you reduce the suspension period or secure a probationary license (“red license”) which allows for limited driving during the suspension period. Without this, driving on a suspended license can result in a DUS charge.

Reasons Your License May Be Suspended in Colorado

In addition to accumulating too many points, several other serious offenses can result in the suspension of your license. These include:

• Conviction for a major traffic crime: Violations such as vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, or felony DUI (C.R.S. Section 42-2-128)
• DUI, DWAI, or underage drinking and driving (UDD) convictions (C.R.S. Section 42-2-129)
• Driving without insurance (C.R.S. Section 42-2-127.7)
• Failure to comply with a court order regarding alcohol-related offenses (C.R.S. Section 42-2-131)
• Providing alcohol to a minor (C.R.S. Section 42-2-127.6)
• Violating a child support order (C.R.S. Section 42-2-127.5)
• Failure to appear in court or failure to pay a traffic ticket

The Consequences of a DUS Charge in Colorado

If you are convicted of driving under suspension (DUS), the penalties may include:

• Fines and additional court fees.
• An extension of your suspension period or a complete revocation of your driving privileges.
• Incarceration in certain cases, especially if this is a repeat offense.

Given the serious nature of driving under revocation and driving under suspension charges in Colorado, it is essential to work with an experienced DUR defense attorney who can help you avoid or reduce the penalties you face.

Why You Need a Skilled Driving Under Revocation Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with driving under revocation, driving under suspension, or driving after revocation prohibited in Colorado, you need a lawyer who understands the complexities of the law and the potential defenses. Our driving under revocation defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you fight your charges and minimize the consequences of a DUR conviction.

Contact DeChant Law today at 303-409-7500 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in defending your driving privileges and your future.