Who is a PDD?
According to Colorado law, a persistent drunk driver is anyone who:
- Has more than one prior DUI conviction; or
- Had a BAC of at least 0.15 at the time of his arrest; or
- Refused to submit to chemical testing (i.e., blood, breath or urine testing) during a DUI stop that occurred after Jan. 1, 2014.
Given that about 30,000 DUI arrests are made each year in Colorado – and that about 30 percent of these arrests involve the refusal of chemical testing (and about 30 percent involve a motorist having at least one prior DUI), experts have estimated that at least 10,000 people in Colorado have been classified as persistent drunk drivers (at any given time).
What Happens When Someone is Designated as a PDD?
Being designated as a persistent drunk driver is serious, as it will typically intensify the penalties imposed after a DUI conviction.
In particular, PDDs in Colorado generally end up facing penalties that include (but may not be exclusive to):
- Longer jail sentences and heftier fines, especially when persistent drunk drivers have prior DUI convictions
- Longer alcohol education requirements, as the DMV will require the completion of a level II alcohol and drug treatment program in order for PDDs to get their licenses reinstated
- Longer IID requirements, which tend to require that PDDs have ignition interlock devices (IIDs) installed for a minimum of two years.
Persistent Drunk Drivers in Colorado: More Important Info
- PDDs can get help paying for IIDs – When persistent drunk drivers cannot cover the costs of installing and maintaining ignition interlock devices, financial support may be available.
- Revocations can run concurrently – If PDDs have had their licenses revoked for whatever reason and a DUI case results in another revocation, these revocations may run concurrently (rather than consecutively), with some exceptions. This can greatly reduce the term of revocations.
Colorado Springs DUI Attorney at Kohn Law Firm
Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? If so, an experienced Colorado Springs DUI attorney at Kohn Law Firm is ready to aggressively defend your rights and help you bring your case to a successful resolution. At Kohn Law Firm, we believe that our clients deserve exceptional service, ethical treatment and aggressive representation. That’s why we are here to help you:
- Navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system
- Minimize the negative impacts on you and your family
- Ultimately help you bring your case to a successful resolution while protecting your freedom and future.
Contact Us to Get Your Defense Started Today
To learn more about how we can help you, set up a free initial consultation with us by calling us at (719) 328-9555 or by emailing us using the contact form at the top of this page.
From our offices in Colorado Springs, we represent clients throughout the Pikes Peak region and Colorado.
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