The autumn season in Colorado is undeniably beautiful. From watching the leaves change in the high country to planning Thanksgiving gatherings with family, the fall holidays are a peak time for travel. However, if you are facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, your upcoming holiday plans could be thrown into jeopardy.
Understanding how a DUI arrest affects your ability to travel—both within Colorado and across state lines—is crucial for protecting your freedom and your holiday traditions.
The Immediate Impact: Driver’s License Restrictions
The most immediate hurdle to your fall travel plans after a DUI arrest is the status of your driver's license. In Colorado, a DUI triggers an administrative process through the Department of Revenue (DOR) that can lead to a prompt license suspension.
- The 7-Day Window: If you were given an expressed consent affidavit and notice of revocation, you typically have only seven days to request a DMV hearing to contest the license suspension.
- The Risk: Failing to request this hearing, or losing the hearing, means your driving privileges will be suspended.
If your holiday plans involve driving over the river and through the woods to a family member's home, doing so without a valid license can turn a bad situation into a much worse legal crisis.
Crossing State Lines: Can You Leave Colorado?
A common misconception is that you cannot leave the state while facing a pending misdemeanor DUI charge. In many standard Colorado DUI cases, you are released on bond with conditions.
Unless the judge explicitly states as a condition of your bond that you cannot leave the state, you are generally allowed to travel within the United States. However, you must ensure that your travel does not interfere with any mandatory court appearances or alcohol monitoring requirements. If you have an ignition interlock device or a continuous alcohol monitoring scannable device, traveling becomes significantly more complicated and requires careful planning.
Flying and Airport Security
If your fall holiday plans involve booking a flight out of Denver International Airport, a pending DUI charge generally will not stop you from boarding a domestic flight. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is focused on aviation security, not outstanding misdemeanor warrants or pending traffic offenses.
However, if you miss a court date because of a travel delay and a bench warrant is issued for your arrest, you could face unexpected detentions at the airport or during routine travel checks.
International Travel Hurdles
If your holiday plans involve traveling outside the United States, a DUI charge can present immediate roadblocks.
Our neighbors to the north, for example, have incredibly strict laws. Canada views a DUI as a serious offense. Even a single pending DUI charge or past conviction can make you "criminally inadmissible" to Canada, meaning you could be turned away at the border or airport. Other international destinations may have similar restrictions regarding pending criminal charges.
Don't Let a Mistake Ground Your Holidays
Facing a DUI charge during the holiday season is stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally draining. You may feel like your seasonal plans are ruined, but you do not have to navigate this complex legal landscape alone. An experienced defense attorney can help you understand your bond conditions, advocate for your right to travel, and fight to protect your future.
If you are worried about how a recent arrest will impact your fall traditions, reach out to the dedicated team at Aviso Law. We provide the professional, compassionate, and skilled legal defense you need during this difficult time.
Call us today at (719) 356-5552 to discuss your case and learn how we can help keep your life moving forward.