Lakewood DUI Lawyer
Defense for the Criminal Case & Your Driving Privileges
A DUI arrest in Lakewood can create two separate legal problems: a criminal case and an administrative process affecting driving privileges. Potential consequences can include fines, jail, ignition-interlock requirements, alcohol or drug evaluation requirements, and license revocation. The consequences depend on the charge, prior convictions, test results, age, commercial driving status, and whether a crash or injury is alleged.
A prompt defense review can address the traffic stop, officer observations, field sobriety tests, chemical testing, arrest records, and related evidence. Breath testing and blood testing raise different scientific and procedural questions, while body-camera footage and police reports can show whether officers followed required procedures. The facts and procedural history determine which issues may support a challenge.
A DUI charge isn’t the same as a conviction. Available defenses may concern the legality of the stop, the reliability or handling of test evidence, constitutional compliance, or whether the prosecution can prove each element of the charge. Any reduction, suppression ruling, dismissal, or license-related result remains dependent on the evidence and applicable law.
At Landy Legal, clients work directly with Josh Landy on an individualized review of the criminal and administrative issues raised by a DUI arrest. The firm represents first-time offenders, underage drivers, commercially licensed professionals, and other individuals facing DUI allegations in Lakewood and Jefferson County.
Call Landy Legal at (720) 790-7110 or use the online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation about a Lakewood DUI case.
The DUI Court Process in Lakewood & Jefferson County
If prosecutors file a DUI charge in Lakewood or Jefferson County, the case may involve an initial appearance or arraignment, evidence review, pretrial conferences, motions, negotiations, and trial. Prosecutors may rely on officer reports, body-camera footage, witness accounts, chemical test records, and field sobriety test observations. Josh Landy personally provides representation from arraignment through trial.
Pretrial preparation can include examining how evidence was collected, preserved, tested, and disclosed. Motions may ask the court to decide whether a stop, search, statement, or test complied with constitutional and statutory requirements. Plea discussions may also occur, but the appropriate response depends on the charge, alleged impairment, prior record, testing evidence, and whether a collision or injury is involved.
Rights & Evidence in a Colorado DUI Defense
When facing DUI charges, a person retains important rights under Colorado law and the U.S. Constitution. Officers need a lawful basis for a traffic stop, and searches, statements, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing must be evaluated under the rules that apply to each type of evidence. A detailed review can identify disputes over officer observations, testing procedures, equipment records, sample handling, or the preservation of evidence.
Field sobriety tests are roadside exercises officers use to record observations they associate with impairment. Their administration and interpretation can be examined alongside video footage, physical conditions, medical issues, and the officer’s report. If a court finds that evidence was obtained unlawfully or that required procedures weren’t followed, it may exclude evidence or otherwise affect the prosecution’s case, depending on the facts and the court’s ruling.
DUI Services in Lakewood, CO
Under Colorado DUI law, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
Colorado recognizes DUI, Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), and DUI per se as distinct impaired-driving theories. DUI per se generally concerns a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, while a blood alcohol content between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent may support an inference relevant to a DWAI allegation. Drug-related charges can involve controlled substances, prescription medication, or other drugs alleged to impair safe driving.
Potential consequences can include criminal penalties, alcohol or drug evaluation requirements, ignition-interlock requirements, and driver’s-license consequences. The severity can change substantially based on prior convictions, alleged blood alcohol content, refusal or test results, age, commercial driving status, and whether an accident or injury is involved. The Colorado Department of Revenue can also take administrative action independently of the criminal court case.
Landy Legal handles DUI-related cases, including:
- Aggravated DUI: Defending against charges involving high blood alcohol levels or aggravated circumstances, such as driving with a minor in the vehicle or leaving an accident scene.
- Drug DUI: Handling cases involving alleged impairment by legal or illegal substances, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- DUI Accidents: Representing clients accused of driving under the influence in crashes involving property damage, injury, or death.
- Multiple DUI Offenses: Advocating for individuals facing increased penalties based on prior DUI convictions in Colorado or another state.
- Underage DUI: Defending young drivers against allegations involving underage drinking and driving.
Colorado Express Consent & DMV Hearings
The firm also handles administrative and traffic matters that can accompany DUI charges:
- Representing drivers at DMV hearings concerning a possible license revocation.
- Assisting commercial drivers with CDL violations or suspensions that can affect commercial driving privileges.
A Colorado Express Consent proceeding is separate from the criminal prosecution. Depending on the applicable notice, a driver generally has up to seven days to request an Express Consent hearing. The notice should be reviewed promptly because missing the stated deadline can limit the opportunity to contest the administrative action.
The hearing may address the notice of revocation, chemical testing or refusal, officer documentation, and whether statutory requirements were satisfied. Preparation can involve reviewing arrest records, test results, reports, and available testimony. A criminal case and a DMV license revocation can proceed independently, so an outcome in one doesn’t necessarily determine the other.
Trial-Tested, Individualized DUI Defense
Josh Landy has over 15 years of experience resolving DUI and traffic violations throughout the Denver region. He previously served for seven years as a Colorado State Public Defender and conducted more than 90 jury trials. He has also led training seminars for criminal defense attorneys throughout Colorado.
Each defense is based on the specific facts and may involve investigation, motion practice, negotiation, evidentiary challenges, or trial preparation, as appropriate.
Josh Landy was recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar in Denver for 2023 and 2024. Those recognitions accompany practical courtroom experience, but no credential determines the result of a particular case. The available options remain tied to the evidence, applicable law, and rulings made during the proceedings.
Meet the Attorney
Josh Landy, Esq.
Founder and Principal Attorney, DUI and Criminal Defense
Josh Landy founded Landy Legal after serving as a Colorado State Public Defender. He personally represents clients throughout their proceedings.
Relevant recognition:
- Best Lawyers in America®: Criminal Defense, General Practice (2023 and 2024)
- Best Lawyers in America®: Criminal Defense, White Collar (2023 and 2024)
- Training seminar leader for Colorado criminal defense attorneys
DUI and traffic practice:
- First-offense DUI and DWAI
- Aggravated and drug-related DUI allegations
- Felony DUI involving multiple prior convictions
- Underage and accident-related DUI allegations
- DMV Express Consent hearings
- Reckless driving and hit and run
- Commercial driver license violations and suspensions
- Speeding tickets and suspended-license matters
Phone
(720) 790-7110
What Sets Us Apart
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Proven Experience, Trusted LeadershipWith 16 years of experience and a tenure as President of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Josh Landy has earned a reputation for excellence in DUI and traffic defense.
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Focused on Results, Committed to You
We take DUI and traffic cases seriously, working hard to minimize penalties, protect your record, and keep you on the road. Our approach is thorough and strategic, and our track record speaks for itself.
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Client-Focused ApproachLegal trouble can be overwhelming, but we’re here to ease the stress—not add to it. We pride ourselves in being approachable and compassionate, making sure you feel heard, respected, and supported every step of the way.
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Free Consultations AvailableNot sure what to do next? We offer free consultations so you can get honest, straightforward advice before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a DUI Case Usually Take to Resolve in Lakewood?
The timeline varies based on the court’s schedule, the complexity of the case, evidence disputes, negotiations, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Cases requiring motions, contested hearings, or trial preparation may take longer than matters resolved through early negotiations.
Will I Lose My License Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Colorado?
Not necessarily. Depending on the notice received, Colorado generally allows up to seven days to request an Express Consent hearing. If the request isn’t submitted by the applicable deadline, the driver may lose the opportunity to contest the administrative revocation at a hearing.
Can a DUI Be Reduced or Dismissed in Colorado Courts?
A DUI charge may be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence and circumstances. Procedural mistakes, test reliability, constitutional issues, or insufficient evidence may affect the available options. A Lakewood DUI lawyer can review the case, but no reduction or dismissal can be assured.
Landy Legal offers direct representation from Josh Landy and an individualized review of the criminal and license issues raised by a DUI charge.
Call (720) 790-7110 or submit our online contact form to arrange a free initial consultation with a Lakewood DUI attorney at Landy Legal.
