This is what happens when you get caught driving drunk in Colorado

Pueblo drivers will likely see additional state troopers on the roads this weekend as the Colorado State Patrol gears up for DUI enforcement at the Home of Heroes.

According to a Dec. 9 news release, CSP plans to increase patrols in Pueblo County from Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15, to discourage impaired driving along the county’s major arteries and feeder roads.

“While drunk driving will be the focus, any observed or reported dangerous driving behavior will be addressed,” CSP officials stated in the release.

Both CSP Troop 2D – which patrols Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties – and CSP’s statewide DUI team will participate in the operation.

Why the Colorado State Patrol is targeting Pueblo

Since 2020, Pueblo County has had 78 fatal crashes and 231 crashes in which occupants suffered serious bodily injuries.

“That’s 78 families devastated by the loss of a loved one and at least 231 others who have suffered severe trauma, some of it life-altering,” CSP officials said in the news release.

Most of these crashes occurred on Friday or Saturday evenings, and the leading causes were lane violations involving distracted or impaired driving.

“This special operation is intended to stop the driving behavior of people with disabilities and thus save lives. State troopers will be engaged in locating and apprehending drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of these substances,” CSP officials said.

In addition to the increased patrols, CSP is asking members of the public to report suspected impaired drivers.

If a motorist encounters a disabled driver on the road, the first thing he or she should do is get out of the way. They should then stop and contact CSP by calling *CSP (*277), 911 or 719-589-5807.

The reporting motorist must be prepared to provide a vehicle description, the vehicle’s license plate number, a location and direction of travel, a description of the driver and a description of the driving behavior displayed. All emergency calls can be made to 911.

What are the penalties if you get a DUI in Colorado?

Impaired driving in Colorado can carry significant fines from the state Department of Motor Vehicles as well as the constitutional system.

On the DMV side, an administrative process will determine whether any restrictions, including a possible suspension of an individual’s driver’s license, will be placed on driving privileges. These restrictions can be imposed even if the lawsuit against the suspected DUI driver is dismissed.

According to the state DMV, reinstatement of a person’s driver’s license may require that he or she:

Use an ignition interlock device
Submit an SR-22 insurance form
Pay a recovery fee
Full alcohol education and therapy sessions

On the legal side, a DUI in Colorado can result in severe criminal penalties, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and up to six years in prison. The the average cost of a first DUI in Colorado is $13,350.

The criminal penalties for drunk driving are established by the Colorado Legislature and enforced by the Colorado Judicial Branch.

A person arrested for driving under the influence will have their case referred to the local district attorney’s office, which will then prosecute the case.

According to noduicolorado.org, a website created by the state’s Persistent Drunk Driver Committee as an educational tool about impaired driving and substance abuse, a person convicted of DUI can expect the following if there are no other crimes related to a DUI -arrest fines:

For a first DWAI: Between two and 180 days in prison; fines between $200 and $500; 24-48 hours of community service
For a first DUI: Between five days and one year in prison; fines between $600 and $1,000; 48-96 hours of community service
For a second DWAI or DUI: Between 10 days and one year in prison; fines between $600 and $1,500; 48 to 120 hours of community service
For a third DWAI or DUI: Between 60 days and one year in prison; fines between $600 and $1,500; 48-120 hours of community service
For a fourth DUI (a class 4 misdemeanor): Between two and six years in prison; fines between $2,000 and $500,000; 48-120 hours of community service.

Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at [email protected] or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news and subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at Subscribe.chieftain.com