Denver DUI Defense Personal Attention. Proven Results. A Defense Strategy Built for You.

DUI Attorney in Denver

Direct Representation from a Former Public Defender Recognized by Best Lawyers in America®

A DUI arrest in Denver starts a clock immediately. Under Colorado’s Express Consent Law, drivers have seven days from the notice of revocation to request a DMV administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. At the same time, a criminal case begins moving through the Denver County Court Criminal Division at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Landy Legal is built for exactly this situation. Josh Landy brings over 15 years of experience resolving DUI and traffic violations throughout the Denver region, and he personally handles every matter from arraignment through trial.

The firm serves first-time offenders, underage drivers, and commercially licensed professionals. Free initial consultations are available for matters in Denver, Lakewood, and Jefferson County.

Contact Landy Legal to speak directly with Josh Landy about your situation, or call (720) 790-7110.

Why Choose Josh Landy as Your DUI Defense Attorney?

Many Denver law firms assign DUI matters to associate attorneys or rotate clients among staff. At Landy Legal, clients work directly with Josh Landy from the first consultation through final resolution. That distinction matters when case details determine outcomes.

Over 90 jury trials as a Colorado State Public Defender: During seven years as a public defender, Josh Landy conducted more than 90 jury trials across a broad range of criminal charges, building the courtroom foundation that DUI defense demands.
Best Lawyers in America® recognition: Named for Criminal Defense: General Practice and White Collar in Denver for 2023 and 2024.
President of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar: A leadership role reflecting standing among criminal defense attorneys statewide.
Training seminars for criminal defense attorneys: Josh Landy has led professional development seminars for defense attorneys throughout Colorado.
Denver, Lakewood, and Jefferson County: Each jurisdiction carries distinct court procedures and expectations. Josh Landy’s familiarity with those differences shapes strategy at every stage.

Landy Legal has a record of persuading law enforcement agencies against filing charges and achieving dismissals after charges were filed. Those results reflect case-specific circumstances and are not predictive of any particular outcome.

DUI Charges, Deadlines, & Defense Options in Denver

Colorado structures DUI penalties around prior offenses, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and the specific facts of each case. The first deadline arrives fast. Requesting a DMV administrative hearing within seven days preserves the opportunity to challenge license revocation before it takes effect. Missing that window closes off options that are otherwise available.

Certain drivers face compounding stakes. Drivers under 21 are subject to stricter BAC thresholds under Colorado law. CDL holders face federal and state standards that can affect commercial driving privileges even on a first offense. Defense review for any of these clients includes examining breathalyzer calibration records, blood test chain of custody, field sobriety test administration, and officer procedural compliance throughout the stop and arrest.

The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse Criminal Division handles both misdemeanor and felony DUI proceedings for Denver County. Where the facts and the client’s record allow, alternative resolutions such as alcohol education programs and deferred judgments may be available. Josh Landy evaluates those options as part of every case review.

What to Expect at Every Stage of a Denver DUI Case

From the first consultation, clients receive a direct assessment of their charges, the evidence, and the realistic range of outcomes. Landy Legal builds individualized strategies from the specific facts of each matter, not a standard playbook applied across cases.

Detailed evidence review: DUI cases can turn on small details, including breathalyzer calibration, blood test chain of custody, and whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly.
Personal court appearances: Josh Landy appears at court dates, DMV hearings, and proceedings related to a client’s matter.
Consistent communication: Clients often have concerns about employment, professional licenses, family obligations, and insurance consequences. Clear updates at every stage address those concerns directly.
Deadline management: Missing a court date or DMV deadline in Denver can result in additional penalties, including a failure-to-appear warrant. The firm tracks deadlines from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Denver?

Authorities confiscate the driver’s license and issue a notice of revocation. Colorado law allows seven days to request a DMV administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. Separately, the court schedules an arraignment where a plea is entered on the criminal charge.

Can a DUI Attorney Help Protect My License?

Yes. An attorney can represent clients at both the DMV administrative hearing and in criminal court. Requesting the DMV hearing quickly preserves options that disappear if the deadline passes. Early legal involvement can help keep both tracks of the case moving appropriately.

Will I Need to Attend Court for a DUI in Denver?

Most DUI cases in Denver require at least one criminal court appearance, and many involve multiple hearings. Josh Landy prepares clients for each date, appears personally at proceedings, and explains what to expect before it happens.

How Does Colorado Law Treat a First DUI Offense?

First-time DUI charges generally carry lighter penalties than repeat offenses, but consequences can still include fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and court supervision. The actual outcome depends on the specific facts, the BAC involved, and whether alternatives such as a deferred judgment are available.

What Makes a DUI Defense Attorney Different from a General Criminal Defense Attorney?

An attorney whose practice centers on DUI and traffic charges develops specific familiarity with Colorado’s technical DUI statutes, local prosecutors, and court expectations at venues like the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. That focus supports defense strategies tailored to the charge rather than adapted from broader criminal defense work.

Contact Landy Legal for a free consultation about your Denver DUI matter. Call (720) 790-7110 to speak with Josh Landy directly.

Colorado DUI Law: What Denver Drivers Need to Know

Colorado distinguishes between two impaired driving charges. A DUI applies when a driver’s BAC is 0.08 or higher. A DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) applies when BAC falls between 0.05 and less than 0.08. Each carries a different penalty structure, and both can appear on a Colorado criminal record. Unlike many states, Colorado doesn’t allow DUI convictions to be expunged, so a conviction remains on the record indefinitely.

Colorado also has no lookback period for DUI and DWAI convictions. Prior convictions from any point in a person’s lifetime count against a defendant when sentencing a new charge. A fourth DUI conviction in Colorado may be charged as a felony, carrying the possibility of prison time rather than county jail. Understanding where a current charge falls within this framework is central to building a realistic defense strategy.

Colorado’s Express Consent Law

Colorado’s Express Consent Law requires any driver stopped on reasonable grounds to submit to a breath or blood test when law enforcement has probable cause to believe the driver is impaired. Refusing the test doesn’t avoid consequences. Refusal carries its own administrative penalties, including license revocation, and can be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. The choice between testing and refusal has real consequences either way, and it’s best made with a clear understanding of how Colorado courts treat both outcomes.

License Reinstatement & Ignition Interlock Requirements

Following a DUI conviction or administrative revocation in Colorado, reinstating driving privileges typically requires completing a process through the DMV. Depending on the circumstances, an ignition interlock device may be required as a condition of reinstatement: a breath-test unit installed in the vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected above a set threshold. The required installation period varies based on offense history and case specifics.

Denver Sobriety Court

For eligible repeat misdemeanor DUI offenders in Denver County, the Denver Sobriety Court offers an alternative path. Established in 2011, the program combines structured treatment, accountability requirements, and court supervision as an alternative to standard criminal sentencing. Eligibility depends on the facts of the case and the defendant’s prior record, and participation involves ongoing obligations. Whether this option applies requires a case-by-case review of the charges and circumstances.