Denver DUI Attorney Blog
✅ Updated for 2025: This article was originally published in January 2023 and has been refreshed to reflect the most current information on hiring a Colorado DUI lawyer.
By Monte J. Robbins, Esq.
Facing a DUI in Colorado can feel overwhelming. Between the criminal case in court and the DMV deadline that can suspend your license in just 7 days, the stakes are high. Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Below are 8 updated tips for 2025 to help you hire the best Colorado DUI lawyer — and protect your license, your record, and your future.
1. Get Organized Immediately
Write down your court date, put it on your calendar, and keep track of every piece of paperwork. Don’t ignore the DMV side of the case: you have only 7 days to request a hearing in breath test or refusal cases. For blood test cases, you’ll need to wait for the DMV’s letter and act before the deadline printed on it.
2. Document Every Detail While It’s Fresh
The sooner you write down what happened, the better. Include why the officer said they stopped you, what field sobriety tests you performed, when and what you drank, and the timeline of events. These details can become crucial in your DUI defense.
3. Meet with Several Attorneys
Don’t hire the first lawyer you call. Ask:
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How many DUI cases have you handled recently?
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Do you also handle the DMV hearing?
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Do you focus on DUI defense, or are you a general criminal lawyer?
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Who will actually appear in court with me — you, or an associate?
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How quickly can I reach you if I have questions?
Look for clear, direct answers. A dedicated DUI defense lawyer should handle these cases regularly and know the courts and DMV process inside and out.
4. Be Honest with Your Lawyer
Treat your consultation like a medical appointment. If you don’t give the full picture, your lawyer can’t diagnose the issues or build a strategy. Share all the facts — even those you think make you look bad. A skilled attorney knows how to use that information to your advantage.
5. Consider Public Defenders, But Know the Limits
Colorado public defenders are often excellent trial lawyers. But they’re overloaded with cases and generally cannot represent you at the DMV hearing. You also don’t get to choose your lawyer, and free representation is only available if you meet strict financial qualifications.
6. Don’t Represent Yourself
DUI law in Colorado is complex. A self-represented defendant will miss critical defenses, from suppression issues to Express Consent challenges at the DMV. As the old saying goes: a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. This is especially true in DUI cases.
7. Avoid the “Jack of All Trades” Lawyer
Not every criminal defense attorney is a DUI attorney. DUI law blends traffic law, constitutional issues, DMV regulations, and forensic science. If a lawyer can’t immediately explain what happens to your license at a DMV hearing based on different BAC levels, they’re probably not a dedicated Colorado DUI lawyer.
8. Meet Lawyers in Person Before You Decide
Take advantage of free consultations. Meet face-to-face, check online reviews, and consider referrals. Ultimately, you should feel confident and comfortable with the lawyer you hire. If you’re paying thousands for representation, trust and communication are critical.
✅ Bottom Line: DUI cases move fast and the consequences are lasting. By following these 8 tips, you can find a skilled Colorado DUI lawyer who knows the courts, understands the DMV process, and can fight to protect your future.