A first DUI in Colorado is generally classified as a misdemeanor (DWAI first: lesser misdemeanor, 8 points).
Jail: DUI: 5 days (typically suspended w/ education) · DWAI: 2 days – 1 year (DWAI: 180 days); mandatory min 10 days if BAC 0.20+
Fine: $200–$1,000 (DUI $600–1,000; DWAI $200–500; plus ~$500+ in stacked surcharges/costs)
License suspension: 9-month revocation (DUI per se; DWAI first: NO revocation, 8 points) – 9 months; hardship: early reinstatement after 1 month with interlock (most first offenders)
Ignition interlock: Not required at this level — Interlock for early reinstatement; MANDATORY 2 years if 0.15+ (PDD).
Alternative disposition: DWAI plea-down is the standard marginal-BAC outcome; useful public service + probation typical.
48–96 hours community service; Level I/II alcohol education.
Lookback period: lifetime (criminal counting) / 7 (habitual offender license rules). Priors count for life for offense-number purposes (DUI and DWAI both count); 4th offense = Class 4 felony (2015 law). Habitual traffic offender 5-year revocation uses a 7-year window.
Some links on this site are paid advertising and we may be compensated when you use them. Advertising never affects which statutes or penalties we report — how this site makes money.