DUI Cases in Arapahoe County
Most Arapahoe County DUI cases are filed at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S Potomac Street, Centennial, CO 80112. The Aurora Municipal Court at 14999 E Alameda Pkwy handles many Aurora DUIs charged under city ordinance, while state-charge cases proceed to the Justice Center. Daniel's law office is located at 5950 S Willow Drive in Greenwood Village — a short drive from the courthouse and from most of the cities the 18th Judicial District covers.
Stops cluster along I-25, I-225, E-470, C-470, Arapahoe Road, Parker Road, Hampden Avenue, and the busy Aurora corridors near Mississippi and Alameda. Aurora Police, Centennial-contracted patrol, Englewood Police, Littleton Police, Greenwood Village Police, the Arapahoe County Sheriff, and Colorado State Patrol all charge DUIs into this courthouse.
OverviewWhen a DUI Arrest Happens, Two Cases Start at Once
An Arapahoe County DUI arrest triggers two parallel proceedings: a criminal case in Arapahoe County Court, District Court, or Aurora Municipal 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 Arapahoe County Results
- Reduced — Felony DUI 4th Offense (Arapahoe County, 2023). Negotiated down from felony exposure to a misdemeanor DWAI resolution.
- Not Guilty — Second-Degree Assault / Domestic Violence (Arapahoe County, August 2024). Felony jury acquittal; record subsequently sealed.
- Dismissed — Harassment / Stalking (Arapahoe County, 2022). Charges dropped on the prosecution's own motion after defense investigation.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. See full case results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my Arapahoe County DUI case be heard?
Most state-law DUI charges from Arapahoe County are filed at the Arapahoe County Justice Center at 7325 S Potomac Street in Centennial. Misdemeanor DUI/DWAI charges are typically heard in Arapahoe County Court; felony DUI and vehicular cases proceed in Arapahoe County District Court. Aurora-charged DUIs under city ordinance go to Aurora Municipal Court at 14999 E Alameda Parkway. Englewood, Littleton, and Centennial have municipal courts that may handle related traffic matters.
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 Arapahoe County DUI Consultation Call 303-831-6111