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For every driver in Colorado, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. When you combine driving under the influence with a hit and run accident, then you make the issue even more complex.

There are multiple criminal charges that can be prosecuted if someone is driving under the influence in Colorado, gets into an accident, and then leaves the scene of the crash. While there may be reasons for the person to flee, usually fear, that doesn’t mean that the law will go easy on them.

Here is what you need to know about DUI hit and run accidents in Colorado.

Hit And Run Laws in Colorado

Anyone who is involved in a car accident in Colorado is required by law to remain at the scene, with a few exceptions. For example, someone can leave the scene if it’s to file a report with the police or to get medical care for injuries sustained. Additionally, if the person hits a parked car that is empty, they are allowed to depart if they leave their contact information for the other driver.

If someone is injured in a car accident, then it is also required for an injured person to be given assistance. That can take the form of calling 911 or even transporting the person to the hospital.

For everything else, the drivers must stay at the scene until the police come to file a report – or you can face criminal penalties.

DUIs in Colorado

In Colorado, driving under the influence is against the law. To legally operate a vehicle, a person must have a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or lower. Anything above that means that you are driving illegally under the influence.

In some cases, you can be charged with a DWAI, which stands for driving while ability impaired. This means that you may not be over the legal limit with your blood alcohol level, but you were driving in an obviously impaired manner

DWAIs are usually misdemeanors, whereas DUIs can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances surrounding them.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

When someone is involved in an accident while driving under the influence, they may face some serious penalties. The legal consequences depends on a few factors:

• The seriousness of the car accident
• Any injuries sustained by drivers or passengers – or pedestrians
• Whether or not any deaths occurred from the accident

In general, someone involved in a hit-and-run DUI will face imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of their driver’s license. They may also have to complete an alcohol assessment, as well as court-ordered substance abuse treatment. On top of that, they will face separate penalties for the DUI, which can increase jail time, fines, and how long the driver’s license remains revoked.

A hit and run on its own is a serious offense, but add a DUI, and you may be looking at serious, life-altering consequences. Not only do you face criminal and administrative penalties but also a criminal record that will reflect the incident for the rest of your life.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run DUI in Colorado, then contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate the charges. They will support you in making the best case for your defense in the court of law.

About the Author:

Andrew Bryant is a well-respected Colorado Springs criminal attorney who has been practicing in the area for years. A Colorado native, he returned to the home he loves after graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Now, he uses the knowledge he gained as an El Paso County District Attorney to fight tirelessly for his clients’ rights. He is AV-Preeminent rated, has been recognized for his work by The National Trial Lawyers, and has been named to Best of the Springs lists by The Gazette for years.