Colorado DWAI Defense
A DWAI charge may seem minor — but a conviction can affect your record, your license, your job, and your insurance. At Trust Johnson Law, we scrutinize every detail and fight for the best possible outcome.
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Why This Matters Now
Even a first-time conviction can follow you for years. Your license, your employment, and your record are all at stake — don't assume a DWAI is minor.
Jail time is possible even on a first offense. The stakes are real from the moment of arrest.
A criminal conviction creates a permanent record that can affect employment and housing.
Administrative and criminal proceedings can both affect your ability to drive.
Insurance rates, professional licenses, and opportunities can be impacted for years.
How We Can Help
No two cases are alike. Our firm investigates every detail to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence.
Police must have a lawful, articulable reason to initiate a traffic stop. Stops based on insufficient cause may result in evidence being suppressed.
Balance issues, medical conditions, weather, footwear, age, and uneven surfaces can all significantly affect performance on roadside tests.
Breathalyzer devices require proper calibration and regular maintenance. Failure to maintain these standards can undermine the reliability of results.
Errors in collection, storage, labeling, or testing procedures may affect the reliability and admissibility of blood test results.
Constitutional violations and procedural mistakes — from the initial stop through booking — can impact the admissibility of key evidence.
Video evidence frequently tells a very different story than written police reports. We request and review all available footage immediately.
The Process. What to Expect.
Understanding every stage helps your attorney build the strongest possible defense from day one.
Officers process your arrest, collect personal information, and administer chemical tests. How you conduct yourself here matters.
A judge sets conditions for release. We can advocate for fair bond and advise you on requirements from the start.
The court informs you of charges and possible penalties. Having experienced counsel at this stage sets the tone.
The prosecution formally decides which charges to pursue. Early attorney involvement can sometimes influence this outcome.
We obtain all evidence — police reports, video, lab results, and records — and build your defense strategy.
Negotiations, motions, and trial preparation. This is where defense strategy can make the greatest impact on your outcome.
Our Approach
When you are facing a DWAI charge, experience and preparation matter. Our firm examines every piece of evidence with a critical eye — and we never assume the prosecution's case is stronger than it appears.
Understanding how prosecutors build DWAI cases allows us to identify vulnerabilities and create effective counter-strategies.
We do not take a passive approach. We actively build your defense, challenge evidence, and push back at every stage of the process.
You will always know where your case stands. We make sure you understand your options and what to expect at every turn.
Why Choose Trust Johnson Law
What Not to Do
Avoid these errors — they can significantly damage your defense and limit your options.
You have the right to remain silent. Statements made at the scene — even casual ones — are often used against you in court.
You are generally not required to consent to vehicle searches. Agreeing can result in evidence being discovered and used against you.
Anything posted online can be used as evidence. Even seemingly innocent posts can contradict your defense or confirm impairment.
Reaching out to witnesses or other parties involved can be misinterpreted as intimidation and create additional legal problems.
Failure to appear results in a warrant, loss of credibility, and significantly more difficulty resolving your case favorably.
Evidence disappears and deadlines pass quickly. The sooner you have legal counsel, the more options you preserve.
Know the Difference
Many people confuse these two charges. Both carry serious penalties — but they are not the same offense.
DWAI
DUI
Who We Help
Whether it's your first arrest or you've been through the system before, we provide honest assessments and strategic defense tailored to your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A DWAI arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. The sooner you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, the sooner you can begin protecting your future.
Yes. Colorado law allows DWAI charges even when your blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit for DUI if prosecutors believe your ability to drive was impaired to the slightest degree. A BAC as low as 0.05% can support a DWAI charge.
Yes. A DWAI conviction creates a criminal record and may carry jail time, fines, probation, community service, and alcohol education requirements — even for a first offense.
Depending on the circumstances, both administrative proceedings through the DMV and criminal court consequences can affect your driving privileges. Acting quickly after arrest is important to protect your license.
Some cases result in reduced charges or dismissal due to constitutional issues, weak evidence, testing problems, or procedural errors. Every case depends on its specific facts — which is why a thorough case review matters so much.
Even a first-time DWAI conviction can have lasting consequences on your record, insurance rates, and employment. An experienced defense attorney can review your case, identify possible defenses, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Trust Johnson Law
A DWAI arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. The sooner you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, the sooner you can begin protecting your future. Contact Trust Johnson Law today for a confidential consultation.
