In Greeley, Colorado, it is illegal to drink alcohol and drive a vehicle, also known as the DUI crime. A man was recently arrested for DUI charges, but hadn’t had a single drink. Why? He has what is known as Auto-Brewery Syndrome, ABS. This medical condition causes carbs to convert into alcohol by fungi in the gastrointestinal tract. This man’s BAC was at 0.2%. That is more than twice the legal limit, which is about 10 drinks in his system. People with this condition, unfortunately, suffer the same consequences as someone who drinks. So it makes sense why officers would be suspicious of drunk driving for this man.
What is Driving Under the Influence, C.R.S. 42-4-1301, in Weld County?
In Weld County, Driving Under the Influence, C.R.S. 42-4-1301, is when:
But there are levels of intoxicated driving that the law differentiates between. If they suspect you of drunk driving, they can either accuse you of Driving While Ability Impaired or Driving Under the Influence.
Greeley Driving While Ability Impaired is defined as:
Additionally, Driving Under the Influence is defined as:
As you can see, a DWAI involves intoxication to the “slightest degree”, while a DUI involves “substantial” intoxication.
What is the Sentence for a DUI Conviction in Longmont and Windsor?
If you’re convicted of a DUI or DWAI crime in Longmont or Windsor, you’re generally facing a misdemeanor conviction. However, if someone has 3 or more prior convictions for DUI or related crimes, like vehicular homicide, then they face a class 4 felony conviction. This is very serious as the difference can be a few months in the Weld County Jail, versus a few years in the state prison.
Why You Need a Greeley Lawyer for Your DUI / DWAI Case
If you’re accused of a DUI or DWAI in Greeley, you need an attorney at your side. A conviction for a DUI could mean severe consequences for your daily life. You face jail time. And in addition to that, you could lose your driver’s license and even potentially need an ignition interlock device on your car when your license gets reinstated. This makes it extremely difficult to get to school, work, to take your children to day care, etc. Call our office so we can begin to work on your case as soon as possible.