According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, DUI arrests in the Centennial State have decreased dramatically over the last five years. The total number of DUI arrests has fallen from over 21,000 in 2019 to about 16,500 in 2023. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s efforts to increase DUI checkpoints have paid off.
Colorado doesn’t typically stage as many sobriety checkpoints as some other states, like Arizona and California. However, the state has pushed to use roadside sobriety tests at least once or twice each month to deter people from driving under the influence.
If you’re ever stopped at one of these law enforcement checkpoints, make sure you know your rights. Learn about them below.
You Have the Right To Turn Around When You See a DUI Checkpoint Coming Up
To avoid encountering DUI checkpoints in Colorado, watch for the advance notices the Colorado Department of Transportation provides. The state’s impaired driving enforcement periods usually take place around holidays like the 4th of July and Labor Day, but they’re also held at other times of the year. You can reduce the chances of coming across a DUI checkpoint by staying off the roads when you see the CDOT issue advance notices.
You should also know that you have the right to turn around any time you see a DUI checkpoint in Colorado just ahead. Just make sure you don’t break any traffic laws when you do it since this could lead to one of the drunk driving patrols at a checkpoint jumping into their car and pulling you over.
You Have the Right To Refuse To Take Part in Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer Tests
DUI checkpoints in Colorado are similar to regular DUI stops. When you arrive at a DUI checkpoint, a police officer will ask you to roll down your window and provide your driver’s license and registration.
Once they inspect your documents, they’ll also observe everything from your appearance to your speech to your car’s interior to see if they spot anything suspicious. If you’re slurring your words when you talk to a police officer at a DUI checkpoint or if you have empty beer bottles in your passenger seat, this is often reason enough for a police officer to request that you participate in field sobriety tests and/or a breathalyzer test.
You have the right to refuse to take these tests. However, you will be arrested if you don’t take them and must take a blood test at a local police station. If you refuse this test, it could lead to your driver’s license being suspended in Colorado and a “persistent drunk driver” tag being added to your driving record, even if it’s your first-ever DUI arrest.
You Have the Right To Seek Legal Counsel Following an Arrest at a DUI Checkpoint
If you’re arrested at one of the DUI checkpoints in Colorado, you have the right to remain silent when police question you. You also have the right to hire a DUI lawyer to represent you.
Find an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and hire them to help you after your arrest.
Call Us If You’re Ever Arrested at One of the DUI Checkpoints in Colorado
Were you recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence after interacting with police officers at one of the DUI checkpoints in Colorado? Let Grant & Associates Law Firm provide the legal assistance you need. Contact us today at 970-356-5666 or fill out this brief form to speak with a trusted DUI attorney about your rights and responsibilities in this situation.