Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Colorado? What You Need to Know

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Colorado, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: “Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Colorado?” The answer depends on several factors—including whether it’s your first offense, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and how quickly you act after the arrest.

At The McDowell Law Firm, we help clients in Colorado Springs understand their rights and fight to keep their driving privileges. In this DUI guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about DUI license suspensions, DMV hearings, and how to protect yourself after a DUI charge in Colorado.

Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Colorado?

Quick Answer: Yes, You Can Lose Your License After a DUI

Under Colorado law, your driver’s license can be suspended even before you’re convicted of DUI in court. This happens through a separate administrative process with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must act quickly to protect your driving privileges.

Administrative vs. Criminal Penalties

A DUI arrest in Colorado triggers two separate legal processes:

1. Administrative License Suspension (DMV)

Handled by the DMV. This begins immediately after your arrest and is based on your chemical test results or refusal to take a test.

2. Criminal Case (Court)

Handled in criminal court. A conviction can result in additional license consequences, jail time, fines, probation, and more.

What Is an Express Consent Hearing?

In Colorado, the Express Consent Law requires all drivers to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) if lawfully arrested for DUI. If you refuse or fail (above .08 BAC for adults) the test, the DMV begins an automatic suspension process.

To fight the revocation, you must request a DMV Express Consent Hearing within 7 days of your arrest on breath and refusal cases. Blood tests take longer to come back, so you’ll have a little more time before the revocation begins.

At the hearing, the DMV will review:

• Whether the officer had probable cause
• Whether you refused or failed (.08 or greater BAC) the chemical test
• Whether procedures were followed correctly

A DUI attorney can represent you at this hearing to challenge the suspension and protect your license.

Can I Still Drive After a DUI Arrest?

Yes, but only under specific conditions:

1. Request a DMV Hearing Within 7 Days (Refusals and breath tests)

Doing this pauses the suspension until a hearing is held—within 60 days of the request. If you did a blood test, the 7 days does not apply, as it will take months to get your results back.

2. Apply for Early Reinstatement

If it’s your first DUI and you took the test, you may qualify for early license reinstatement immediately after the hearing, with an interlock ignition device installed in your vehicle. For a refusal the waiting period is 2 months.

Am I Eligible to reinstate early after a DUI?

Per se and DUI convictions- Eligible first day revocation goes active (need an interlock, SR-22, reinstatement fee)

Refusal- Two-month waiting period after hearing before eligible for early reinstatement. (requires interlock, SR-22, enroll in Level 2 Alcohol education, and all other reinstatement requirements

What Is an Interlock Ignition Device?

An interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. You must blow into it before your car will start. This is mandatory for many drivers seeking reinstatement after a DUI.

Colorado law requires:

• 9 months of interlock for first offense BAC .08–.149 (you may qualify for early release after 4 months.)
• 2 years of interlock for BAC .15+ or repeat offenses, or refusal to test.

Costs include installation, monthly fees, and maintenance—but it allows you to keep driving legally.

Can a DUI Lawyer Help Me Keep My License?

Absolutely. A skilled DUI lawyer in Colorado Springs can:

• Request and represent you at your DMV hearing
• Challenge test results and arrest procedures
• Argue for reduced penalties in criminal court
• Help you apply for early reinstatement or a restricted license

Every DUI case is different, and the right legal strategy can make a major difference in whether you lose your license, or keep it. No attorney can guarantee results, but they can help you put together a strong defense to fight the government’s case against you and the DMV revocation proceedings.

Why Choose The McDowell Law Firm?

At The McDowell Law Firm, we understand the anxiety and uncertainty that follow a DUI arrest. As a trusted Colorado Springs DUI defense law firm, we’ve helped hundreds of clients fight license suspensions and get their lives back on track.

We offer:

• Free initial consultations
• Availability for urgent DUI arrests
• Aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case

Don’t let one mistake define your future. We’ll help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome.

FAQs: Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Colorado

Ques: How soon will my license be suspended/revoked after a DUI arrest?

Ans: If you fail or refuse a chemical test, your license will be revoked after 7 days, unless you request a DMV hearing.

Ques: Can I drive to work after a DUI?

Ans: Yes, while you’re awaiting your hearing, or you have obtained an early reinstated license with an interlock device.

Ques: What happens if I refuse the breath or blood test?

Ans: You’ll face an extended license revocation that requires 2 months of no driving and then 2 years of interlock. The police can still write you a ticket for DUI as well.

Ques: Can I fight my license suspension or license revocation?

Ans: Yes. You can request a DMV hearing and challenge the revocation with the help of a DUI lawyer.

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