DUI Cases in Adams County
Adams County is one of the busiest DUI jurisdictions in the Denver metro. State Patrol troopers, Brighton police, Thornton police, Northglenn police, Commerce City police, Westminster police, and the Adams County Sheriff's Office all file DUI cases here — most of them at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601. Stops cluster along I-25 and I-76, the I-270 split, E-470, US-85 (Federal), and the 120th, 104th, and 88th avenue corridors.
Adams County prosecutors push hard on refusal cases and marijuana-DUI charges — Daniel has tried and won both. The 2025 Adams County not-guilty verdict on a marijuana DUI with a blood test at twice the per-se limit, and the 2024 Adams County not-guilty on a refusal DUI, both came out of this courthouse.
OverviewWhen a DUI Arrest Happens, Two Cases Start at Once
An Adams County DUI arrest triggers two parallel proceedings: a criminal case in Adams County District or County Court, and a civil express-consent revocation before the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Each has its own timeline, evidence standard, and strategy. Miss the DMV hearing window — just seven days from the date of your notice — and you may lose your license regardless of the criminal outcome.
Daniel H. Kyser handles both. He has defended Colorado DUI and DWAI charges in every metro-area county plus courts across the state, from Gunnison to Greeley, Fort Collins to Pueblo.
Types of Cases Handled
- First-offense DUI and DWAI (misdemeanor)
- Second and third DUI/DWAI (enhanced mandatory-jail cases)
- Felony DUI (fourth or subsequent conviction — C.R.S. § 42-4-1301)
- Underage drinking and driving (UDD)
- Marijuana and combined-drug DUI
- Prescription-medication impairment cases
- Refusal cases & implied-consent DMV hearings
- Vehicular assault & vehicular homicide
- Commercial driver (CDL) DUI and out-of-state license defense
Penalties at a Glance
Colorado's penalty scheme is driven by prior history and BAC. General ranges include:
- DWAI (1st): up to 180 days jail, up to $500 fine, 8 DMV points, possible probation and classes.
- DUI (1st): 5 days to 1 year jail (suspendable), $600–$1,000 fine, 9-month license revocation, interlock.
- DUI (2nd): 10 days mandatory jail (no suspension), 1-year license revocation, 2-year interlock, alcohol monitoring.
- DUI (3rd): 60 days mandatory jail, 2-year revocation, extended interlock, probation.
- Felony DUI: class 4 felony, 2–6 years prison presumptive (with mandatory aggravators possible).
Defense Strategies
A disciplined DUI defense attacks each link in the prosecution's chain:
- Stop: Was the initial traffic stop supported by reasonable suspicion?
- Investigation: Were roadside maneuvers properly instructed, performed on suitable terrain, and scored correctly under NHTSA standards?
- Arrest: Did the officer have probable cause — not just suspicion?
- Chemical test: Was the Intoxilyzer 9000 or blood draw conducted within the statutory two-hour window? Was the testing agency accredited? Were the operator certifications current?
- Disclosure: Did the prosecution timely disclose maintenance records, calibration logs, and officer body-worn camera?
Recent Adams County Results
- Not Guilty — Marijuana DUI (Adams County, January 2025). Jury acquittal despite a blood test measured at twice the per-se limit.
- Dismissed — DUI 2nd Offense / Refusal (Adams County, February 2025). Case thrown out at the probable-cause hearing stage.
- Not Guilty — Refusal DUI (Adams County, February 2024). Acquitted at trial despite a chemical-test refusal.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. See full case results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my Adams County DUI case be heard?
Most Adams County DUI cases are filed at the Adams County Justice Center at 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. Misdemeanor DUI/DWAI charges are typically heard in Adams County Court; felony DUI and vehicular cases proceed in Adams County District Court. Some municipal-code cases out of Thornton, Northglenn, Commerce City, or Westminster may be filed in those city's municipal courts instead.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWAI?
A DUI requires substantial impairment or a BAC of 0.08% or more. A DWAI is impairment "to the slightest degree," typically with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.079%. DWAI is a lesser offense but still carries jail, points, and probation exposure.
When does a DUI become a felony in Colorado?
A fourth or subsequent DUI/DWAI conviction is a class 4 felony under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301. DUIs involving serious bodily injury or death are separately charged as vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, which are always felonies.
Should I have refused the chemical test?
Colorado's express-consent law makes refusal a civil revocation (minimum one year). Whether refusal helped or hurt your case depends on the evidence — body cam, HGN results, and statements. Daniel reviews every angle to build the strongest defense available with what happened.
Can I keep driving with an interlock device?
In most first-offense cases, drivers can apply for an early reinstatement with an ignition-interlock device after an initial no-drive period. The specifics depend on BAC, refusal status, and prior history.
Request Free Adams County DUI Consultation Call 303-831-6111