Traffic and DUI Charges

Traffic and DUI Defense Attorney in Colorado

A traffic citation or DUI arrest can affect far more than your driving record. Depending on the allegation, you may face fines, points, increased insurance costs, license suspension or revocation, probation, mandatory treatment, employment problems, and possible jail time.

At Marinoff & Associates, P.C., we represent clients facing DUI, DWAI, and serious traffic charges throughout Colorado. We carefully review the stop, the evidence, the testing procedures, and the circumstances surrounding the case to develop a defense strategy focused on protecting your driving privileges, your record, and your future.

DUI, DWAI, and Drug-Impaired Driving

Colorado recognizes separate alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). A case may involve alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, illegal drugs, or a combination of substances.

Traffic and DUI allegations may include:

  • DUI or DWAI

  • Drug-related DUI

  • Refusal of a breath or blood test

  • Driving under restraint

  • Reckless or careless driving

  • Speeding and excessive-speed allegations

  • Leaving the scene of an accident

  • Driving without insurance

  • Habitual traffic offender matters

  • Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide

  • Commercial-driver violations

Every case depends on its specific facts. An arrest, citation, or failed chemical test does not automatically mean the prosecution can prove the charge.

Two Separate DUI Processes

A Colorado DUI case may involve two independent proceedings:

  • A criminal court case

  • A Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles administrative case

The DMV proceeding determines restrictions on your driving privileges and may continue even when the court case is reduced or dismissed. Acting quickly is important because administrative deadlines may apply.

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How Marinoff & Associates Can Help

Reviewing the Traffic Stop

Law enforcement must have a lawful reason to stop a vehicle.

We may examine:

  • The officer’s stated reason for the stop

  • Dash-camera and body-camera footage

  • Driving observations

  • Road, traffic, and weather conditions

  • Whether the stop was improperly extended

  • Whether searches or questioning complied with the law

If the stop or investigation violated constitutional protections, the admissibility of evidence may be challenged.

Examining Field Sobriety and Chemical Tests

DUI cases often depend heavily on field sobriety exercises, breath testing, blood testing, and officer observations.

We may evaluate:

  • Whether tests were properly administered

  • Medical conditions or physical limitations

  • Testing-device maintenance and calibration

  • Blood collection, storage, and laboratory procedures

  • Chain of custody

  • Timing of the test

  • Whether the results accurately reflect impairment

  • Whether lawful procedures were followed after a refusal

Colorado’s Express Consent Law may create license consequences when a driver refuses an evidentiary chemical test after an officer has the required legal basis to request one.

Protecting Your Driver’s License

We can help address the administrative side of the case, including:

  • DMV hearing issues

  • License revocation

  • Restricted-driving eligibility

  • Ignition-interlock requirements

  • Reinstatement questions

  • Refusal-related consequences

  • Persistent Drunk Driver designations

A refusal or high chemical-test result may trigger additional administrative requirements, which is why prompt review is important.

Challenging the Criminal Case

Depending on the circumstances, we may examine whether:

  • The prosecution can prove actual impairment

  • The accused person was driving or in actual physical control

  • Statements were voluntarily and lawfully obtained

  • Video evidence contradicts the officer’s report

  • Chemical-test evidence is reliable

  • Prescription medication or a medical condition affected observations

  • Another person was driving

Charges should be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through negotiation

Addressing Related Consequences

A DUI or serious traffic case may also affect:

  • Employment and professional licenses

  • Commercial driving privileges

  • Immigration status

  • Auto insurance

  • Probation

Security clearances

  • College or athletic opportunities

  • Future sentencing if another case occurs

Because Marinoff & Associates handles criminal defense and immigration matters, we can evaluate concerns that extend beyond the immediate traffic case.

Protect Your License and Take Action

What to Do After a DUI Arrest or Traffic Citation

Remain respectful and follow lawful instructions, but avoid discussing the case in detail with police, witnesses, employers, or on social media.

You should also:

  • Keep every citation, notice, and release document

  • Record your memory of the stop as soon as possible

  • Preserve photographs, video, receipts, and location information

  • Identify passengers or other potential witnesses

  • Do not miss court or DMV deadlines

  • Follow all bond and driving restrictions

  • Avoid driving if your license is not valid

  • Contact a traffic and DUI defense attorney promptly

Do not assume that paying a traffic ticket is always the simplest option. Payment may be treated as an admission and could add points or create other consequences.

Refusing a Breath or Blood Test

Refusing an evidentiary chemical test does not necessarily prevent a DUI charge. Prosecutors may still rely on driving behavior, officer observations, body-camera footage, field sobriety exercises, statements, and witness testimony.

Refusal may also lead to separate DMV consequences under Colorado’s Express Consent Law.

Contact Marinoff & Associates

If you have been arrested for DUI or cited for a serious traffic offense, early legal representation can help preserve evidence, address license deadlines, and prevent avoidable mistakes.

Contact Marinoff & Associates, P.C. for a confidential consultation. We proudly serve clients from offices in Westminster, Brighton, and Greeley, Colorado.

A DUI arrest or traffic citation is not a conviction. Protect your license, your record, and your future.

This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its individual facts and circumstances.

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