Separate court and DMV proceedings
The court addresses filed charges. Colorado DMV separately addresses driving privileges and may act on a test result, alleged refusal, conviction, or another statutory event. A result in one process does not automatically resolve the other.
Published first-offense court ranges
For a statutory first DUI or DUI-per-se conviction, current Colorado law generally lists five days to one year in jail, a $600 to $1,000 fine, forty-eight to ninety-six hours of useful public service, and up to two years of probation.
For a statutory first DWAI conviction, current law generally lists two to 180 days in jail, a $200 to $500 fine, twenty-four to forty-eight hours of useful public service, and up to two years of probation. Additional statutory provisions and limited suspension rules may apply.
Administrative examples and scheduled points
Colorado DMV currently describes a nine-month administrative revocation for a first qualifying alcohol result of 0.08 or more and a one-year revocation with Persistent Drunk Driver designation for a first qualifying refusal action.
Colorado’s point schedule lists DUI or DUI per se at twelve points and DWAI at eight points. Administrative action, reported conviction points, interlock, and reinstatement are separate subjects.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a first DUI allegation create separate court and DMV matters?
Yes. A criminal court case and a separate DMV administrative matter can proceed at the same time.
What administrative period does DMV publish for a first qualifying alcohol result of 0.08 or more?
Colorado DMV currently describes a nine-month administrative revocation, subject to the actual action, notice, record, other restraints, and later agency determinations.
Does a pending court case establish current driving status?
No. Current driving status is an administrative record separate from the existence of a pending criminal case.
Can ignition interlock be part of an administrative record?
Yes. Interlock and possible early reinstatement depend on the action, dates, age, record, other restraints, and current DMV rules.
How many points are scheduled after DUI or DWAI convictions?
Colorado’s currently published schedule lists DUI or DUI per se at twelve points and DWAI at eight points.
Official Colorado and federal sources
These official government sources support the factual copy above. Source availability, laws, and agency information can change.
- Colorado DMV — The DUI Process
- Colorado DMV — Reinstatement FAQs
- Colorado DMV — Early Reinstatement (Interlock)
- Colorado DMV — Colorado Driver Handbook DUI Guide
- Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 42 — §§ 42-4-1301, 42-4-1307 and 42-2-126
Sources checked August 22, 2026. Attorney reviewed August 22, 2026.