DUID Attorney in Denver
DUID & Drug Intoxication Defense In The Denver Region
A drug related DUI arrest in Colorado can affect almost every part of your life. You may be worried about jail, losing your license, and what a conviction could mean for your job or education. It can feel like everything moved fast at the roadside and you are left with more questions than answers. If you find yourself in this situation, our DUID attorneys in Denver can help you.
Landy Legal represents people facing driving under the influence of drugs charges in courts serving the Denver area, including Denver County Court and Jefferson County Court in Golden. Attorney Josh Landy has more than 15 years of experience focused on DUI and traffic violations, and he provides direct, personalized representation from the first meeting through the end of the case.
If you were arrested for drug intoxication behind the wheel, you do not have to sort out Colorado’s criminal and DMV systems alone. A short conversation can help you understand what you are charged with, what comes next, and how a focused DUID lawyer in Denver approaches cases like yours.
Our focused DUID attorney in Denver can help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Contact us online or call us at (720) 790-7110.
Why Drivers Choose Landy Legal
When your freedom and license are at stake, you want representation from someone who regularly handles these cases in the Denver region. Landy Legal is led by attorney Josh Landy, a former Colorado State Public Defender who has tried more than 90 jury trials in seven years of public defense. That experience includes serious felony matters, such as drug offenses and other complex criminal charges.
Mr. Landy has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Criminal Defense, General Practice, and White Collar, in Denver for 2023 and 2024. This recognition reflects years of work in local courts on behalf of people accused of crimes, including alcohol and drug-related driving offenses. Clients benefit from advocacy that is grounded in real courtroom experience, not just paperwork or plea negotiations.
Landy Legal focuses on DUI defense and serious traffic violations, including cases in Lakewood and Jefferson County. Each case begins with a detailed review of the stop, roadside evaluations, testing, and prior history. The goal is to identify the specific issues in your case, then build a strategy that fits your facts instead of relying on a standard approach from a general criminal defense practice.
Clients work directly with attorney Josh Landy at every stage, from arraignment through motions hearings and trial when a case proceeds that far. You are not passed from one person to another, and you have an opportunity to ask questions and get clear explanations about options and risks. This structure is designed to give you confidence that your DUID attorney in Denver understands both the law and your priorities.
Understanding Colorado DUID Charges & Penalties With Our DUID Attorney in Denver
Colorado law prohibits driving while under the influence of drugs, whether those drugs are illegal substances, prescription medications, or over-the-counter products that impair your ability to drive safely. A person can be charged when an officer believes drugs alone caused impairment, or when drugs and alcohol combine. These cases often rely on blood or urine testing rather than familiar breath results.
Conviction for driving under the influence of drugs can lead to many of the same consequences as an alcohol based DUI. Depending on prior history and the exact charge, potential penalties can include jail, fines, probation, mandatory treatment, community service, and a criminal record that is visible to employers and licensing boards. Courts serving the Denver area generally follow Colorado’s sentencing structure, but outcomes vary based on the details of each case.
Colorado’s express consent law also plays a major role. When you are accused of impaired driving, the Department of Revenue can pursue administrative action against your license that is separate from the criminal case. There are strict deadlines to request a hearing after a blood test or a refusal. Missing those deadlines can result in a suspension, even if the criminal case is still pending.
Consequences are often more complicated for certain drivers. Underage drivers may face additional concerns related to school and future opportunities. Commercial drivers holding a CDL are subject to lower alcohol thresholds and can face career-changing disqualifications if a DUID is sustained. People with prior DUI convictions can find that a new charge carries enhanced penalties and longer potential jail exposure in Denver County Court or Jefferson County Court.
Common results of a DUID conviction may include:
- Criminal penalties such as jail, fines, probation, and treatment
- License suspension or revocation through the Colorado DMV process
- Increased insurance costs and possible ignition interlock requirements
- Employment, professional licensing, or immigration complications
Understanding what you are facing under Colorado law is an important first step. Speaking with a DUID attorney in Denver who is familiar with these courts can help you assess both the criminal and administrative sides of your situation.
Defending DUID & Drug Intoxication Cases
DUID prosecutions raise different questions than alcohol only DUI cases. Officers may rely on their observations, drug recognition evaluations, and lab reports instead of a straightforward breath number. An effective defense looks closely at every stage of the encounter, from the original reason for the stop to the procedures used for blood or urine testing.
Attorney Josh Landy draws on his background as a Colorado State Public Defender, where he conducted more than 90 jury trials, to scrutinize the evidence in DUID and drug intoxication cases. That experience includes cross-examining officers, challenging forensic evidence, and presenting defenses to juries across Colorado. This trial tested perspective informs how he reviews police reports and lab records in impaired driving matters.
There are many potential issues to explore in a DUID case. The legality of the traffic stop and any roadside detention can affect whether evidence is admissible. The way field sobriety evaluations are explained and administered can influence how much weight a judge or jury gives them. The handling, storage, and analysis of blood or urine samples can raise questions that may require additional investigation.
In some matters, careful analysis and early advocacy have resulted in law enforcement agencies deciding not to file charges or prosecutors dismissing cases after filing. Outcomes depend on specific facts, and no attorney can promise a particular result. However, a thoughtful approach from a DUID attorney in Denver who regularly handles these issues in the region can put you in a better position to pursue the most favorable resolution available.
Areas that often require close review in DUID cases include:
- The reason for the stop and any extension of the encounter
- Statements you made and whether they were recorded properly
- Field sobriety exercises and any drug recognition evaluation performed
- Blood or urine collection procedures and chain of custody records
- Laboratory methods, reported levels, and possible alternative explanations
Landy Legal works to identify both legal and factual defenses and to present all relevant mitigation in negotiating with prosecutors in Denver and Jefferson County. When a case goes to trial, Mr. Landy brings his jury experience to bear in presenting the defense and challenging the state’s evidence before a fact finder.
What To Do After A DUID Arrest
The days immediately after a DUID arrest can feel chaotic. You may have been released from a Denver area jail with paperwork and a court date, but little explanation of what comes next. Taking a few specific steps now can help protect your rights and your ability to drive while your case moves forward.
First, gather and keep all documents you received from law enforcement or the court, including any notice related to your license. These papers often contain deadlines, such as the time period for requesting a Colorado DMV hearing after a blood test or a refusal. It is much easier to assess your options when these documents are available for review.
You should also be cautious about discussing the details of the incident with anyone other than your lawyer. Statements to friends, family, employers, or insurance companies may later be requested or examined. Speaking with a DUID attorney in Denver before making detailed statements can help you avoid misunderstandings.
Practical steps to take after a DUID arrest:
- Read all paperwork carefully and calendar court dates and hearing deadlines
- Write down your recollection of the stop, testing, and interactions with officers
- Avoid posting about the incident on social media or discussing details widely
- Contact an attorney promptly to review both the criminal case and DMV issues
Landy Legal offers free initial consultations for DUI and DUID matters in Denver, Lakewood, and Jefferson County. During this meeting, you can discuss what happened, ask questions about the process, and learn how attorney Josh Landy would approach a defense in your particular situation.
To discuss your situation with Landy Legal, call (720) 790-7110 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for a DUID in Colorado?
Jail is a possible consequence of a DUID conviction, but whether it is imposed depends on factors such as prior DUI history, the specific charge, and the judge. A DUID attorney in Denver can explain the range of outcomes in courts serving the Denver area and work to present information that supports a more favorable sentence.
How will a DUID affect my driver’s license?
A DUID arrest can trigger a separate Colorado DMV action that may lead to suspension if not addressed. The impact depends on test results, refusals, and your prior record. Requesting a hearing on time and having a lawyer review the paperwork can help you understand what is at stake.
Do prescription medications count as drugs for DUID?
Yes, prescription and even over-the-counter medications can support a DUID charge if they impair your ability to drive safely. Having a valid prescription does not automatically prevent charges. A careful review of your medical use and the evidence is important in building a defense.
What happens at my first court date on a DUID?
The first court appearance, often called an arraignment, is where you hear the formal charges and receive future dates. In courts serving Denver and Jefferson County, you typically have the opportunity to enter an initial plea and request discovery. An attorney can appear with you and explain each step.
How soon should I contact a DUID lawyer?
It is usually best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a DUID arrest. Early involvement can help with preserving evidence, meeting Colorado DMV deadlines, and preparing for the first court date. Landy Legal offers free consultations so you can get timely guidance without upfront cost.
You do not have to face the criminal court system or the DMV process on your own. Contact us today.
