Colorado Springs Motorcycle DUI Attorneys
Defending Clients Against DUI Charges in Colorado Springs
DUI on a motorcycle is a serious matter and facing charges can upset your entire world. A conviction could mean jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. It could also damage your reputation, cause you to lose your job, and affect your employment prospects in the future.
Who Can Be Charged with DUI in Colorado?
Colorado law is as tough on DUI when you are riding a motorcycle as it is when you are driving a car. It is illegal to drive any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. For these purposes, the law uses a broad definition of "vehicle," which includes bicycles and personal assistive mobility devices. This definition could be interpreted to include skateboards and man-powered scooters.
What Signs Does Law Enforcement Look for to Pull Over DUI Motorcycle Suspects?
Police officers are on the lookout for riders under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Signs of impairment they watch for include:
- Weaving: This is a major indicator of DUI for both riders and drivers.
- Recklessness: Police see traveling too fast for conditions as a sign that a rider may be impaired.
- Wrong way driving: This is a strong indication of impairment for anyone operating a vehicle.
- Inattentiveness: Alcohol can impair vigilance and make a rider inattentive to his surroundings.
- Tailgating: Traveling at an unsafe following distance is another sign of impairment.
- Difficulty balancing: Alcohol interferes with balance and coordination. Impairment can make it more difficult for a rider to balance the bike at a stop with one foot on the ground and the other on the brake.
- Drifting in a curve or a turn: Poor handling of curves is a common indicator of DUI.
- Trouble dismounting: Getting off a motorcycle involves balancing the weight on one foot while moving the other foot over the seat. Alcohol can make dismounting more difficult to do.
What Types of Collisions Can Result from a Motorcycle DUI?
In the most recent year for which statistics are available, 5,014 motorcyclists died in crashes in the U.S., as reported by the Insurance Information Institute (III). Of these fatalities, 1,689 died in alcohol-impaired crashes, representing 34% of the total killed. Motorcycle DUI can lead to serious accidents, including single-vehicle crashes, loss of control crashes, rear-end collisions, and T-bone accidents from running red lights or stop signs.
What Are the Penalties and Consequences of Being Convicted of Motorcycle DUI?
Penalties upon conviction of motorcycle DUI can vary considerably, depending on factors such as:
- Your level of impairment
- If it was a first offense
- Whether injury was caused to others in the crash
For a first time offender for misdemeanor DUI, you may be facing:
- 5 days to one year in jail
- Fine of $600 to $1,000
- 48 to 96 hours of community service
- 12 points on your DMV driving record
- License suspension for 9 months
- Alcohol education classes
What Are the Possible Legal Defenses Against Motorcycle DUI?
Our Colorado Springs DUI criminal defense attorney will raise every possible legal defense in your motorcycle DUI case. Some of the possible defense strategies could include:
- Illegal traffic stop
- Miranda rights violations
- Potholes, severe weather, or other road conditions that caused you to drive erratically
- Improperly maintained breathalyzer or possible false reading for other reasons
- Inconsistent police testimony
If you have been charged with motorcycle DUI, contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 as soon as possible. Timothy Bussey is one of two attorneys in Colorado with the ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation. He is certified to maintain and operate the Intoxilyzer 5000, as a NHTSA Field Sobriety Test Instructor, and in forensic chromatography (a laboratory technique for separating compounds within a mixture). We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to vigorously defend against DUI charges.
Call now for legal help
(719) 475-2555
