DUI with Drug Attorney in Colorado Springs

Your Trusted Defense Against DUI with Drugs Charges in Colorado Springs

When facing charges of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUI with drugs) in Colorado Springs, it's crucial to have a dedicated advocate by your side. At Aviso Law, we understand the unique challenges and intricacies involved in DUI with drugs cases. Our team, rooted in the local community and backed by our military experience, is here to offer you personalized, empathetic, and tenacious legal representation.

Every DUI with drugs case is unique, requiring a tailored approach for successful navigation. Our firm leverages its extensive knowledge of Colorado Springs jurisdictions to craft defense strategies specifically addressing the local legal landscape. We aim not just to defend but also to protect your future, ensuring that your rights remain intact at every stage of the process.

Call (719) 356-5552 or contact online for a free consult with a DUI with drugs attorney in Colorado Springs — affordable.

What is a DUI with Drugs Charge in Colorado

A driver can be charged with impairment by drugs when law enforcement believes controlled substances, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or combinations of substances have rendered the driver unsafe. 

Unlike alcohol cases—where a single numeric BAC standard often controls—drug-impaired cases rely more heavily on officer observations, field sobriety tests, Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) assessments, and chemical testing (blood or urine).

Drug-impaired driving prosecutions differ from alcohol DUI matters in several ways:

• There is rarely a clear numerical threshold that equates to intoxication for many drugs.
• Prescription medications can cause impairment yet be legally possessed and taken as directed.
• Metabolites can remain in blood or urine long after impairment has ended.
• DRE protocols and officer training are frequently contested in court.

A Colorado Springs DUI with drugs lawyer knows how to challenge technical testimony, attack unreliable testing, and present alternative explanations for behavior and test results.

Medical issues and prescription drugs

Prescription medications can legally cause impairment even when taken as prescribed. A detailed medical and pharmaceutical review is essential: dosage, timing, known side effects, and individual tolerance all play into whether medication could explain observed driving behavior or positive tests. As a DUI with drugs attorney in Colorado Springs, we work with medical experts who can demonstrate non-criminal explanations for results and observations.

Common Evidence the Government Uses

Prosecutors typically build drug-impaired cases using:

• Officer observations — erratic driving, slurred speech, red eyes, odor, or unusual behavior.
• Field sobriety tests — standardized or non-standardized maneuvers used to assess coordination and attention.
• DRE evaluations — a 12-step protocol that claims to identify categories of impairment.
• Chemical testing — blood draws or urine samples analyzed for controlled substances and metabolites.
• Video and audio — in-car dashcam, body-worn camera footage, and 911 recordings.

We carefully test the foundation of each evidentiary piece: who collected it, how it was collected, whether procedures were followed, and whether independent testing is needed.

Penalties for DUI with Drug Charges in Colorado Springs

In Colorado, driving under the influence of drugs is treated with the same seriousness as a DUI involving alcohol. The penalties are generally identical and can be severe, even for a first offense. 

A DUI with drugs conviction, whether for illegal or prescribed drugs, can result in the following penalties, which increase with each subsequent offense:

• Jail Time: A first offense can result in a minimum of 5 days up to 1 year in jail. A second offense carries a minimum of 10 days, while a third offense has a minimum of 60 days.
• Fines: Fines for a first offense range from $600 to $1,000, not including court costs. These fines can increase significantly for subsequent offenses.
• License Suspension: The Colorado Department of Revenue will suspend your driver's license for 9 months for a first DUID conviction.
• Public Service: A first offense requires 48 to 96 hours of mandatory public service.
• Probation: A conviction can result in up to two years of probation.
• Education and Treatment: You will be required to complete mandatory drug education and possibly a substance abuse treatment program.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): If you are designated as a "persistent drunk driver" (PDD) or have a second or third offense, you will be required to install an IID in your vehicle.

Administrative license actions vs. criminal court

DUI with drugs cases often trigger two separate processes: administrative action against your driver’s license and a parallel criminal prosecution. Administrative hearings can move on a compressed timetable and impose license restrictions independent of the criminal case outcome. We file timely administrative appeals, demand discovery, and coordinate defense strategies so you’re not litigating the same factual issue twice without alignment.

Typical Defense Strategies We May Use in a DUI with Drugs Case

Defending drug-impaired driving requires technical, medical, and tactical work. Common strategies include:

• Challenging the traffic stop — suppression of evidence if the stop lacked reasonable suspicion.
• Attacking the legality or scope of searches — including unlawful blood draws or container searches.
• Questioning test reliability — chain-of-custody issues, lab errors, or testing-device calibration problems.
• Medical and pharmacological defenses — showing that prescription drugs, chronic conditions, or harmless metabolites explain test results or behavior.
• Contesting DRE and field-test validity — exposing training gaps, checklist errors, and alternative causes for observed symptoms.
• Negotiating problem-solving or diversion — where appropriate, seeking reduced charges or treatment-focused outcomes.

We combine motion practice, independent expert review, and careful cross-examination to cast doubt on the government’s claim of impairment.

Why Choose Aviso Law for Your DUI with Drugs Defense

At Aviso Law, we stand out for our commitment to providing accessible and effective legal solutions. 

Here are some reasons why our clients in Colorado Springs choose us:

• Military Insight: Our team's military backgrounds provide unique perspectives and empathy, particularly beneficial for clients with ties to the armed forces.
• Local Expertise: We possess a deep understanding of local court procedures and community standards.
• Proven Experience: With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is prepared to handle complex DUI with drugs cases.
• Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize our clients' needs through personalized strategies and transparent communication.

Choosing Aviso Law means opting for a defense team that understands not just the law, but also the community and the unique pressures faced by individuals in Colorado Springs. Our commitment to you extends beyond the courtroom; we aim to support our clients throughout the entire legal process, providing peace of mind and a steadfast defense.

Take Action Today: Your Defense is One Call Away

Our compassionate team is ready to offer clarity, support, and a tailored defense strategy to address your unique situation. Let us relieve your stress by handling the complex legalities, so you can focus on what truly matters—your life and freedom.

Facing a DUI with drugs charge can be daunting, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Contact Aviso Law now at (719) 356-5552 or reach out online for a free initial consultation