A former councilman on the board of Snowmass Village recently received his punishment for conviction of DUI and criminal mischief, to the tune of over $13,000 in fines. In January, he will be given his jail sentence, which can range from 10 days to 18 months.
The councilman’s fines included not just his DUI fines but also fines for damage to his jail cell, which he made a concerted effort to destroy, much of which was captured on video.
But perhaps the most unpleasant part of his sentencing is his alcohol testing requirement. For the next few months, the ex-councilman will be forced to undergo alcohol evaluations to prove he is no longer drinking. Given that he cannot drive due to his suspended license, that means a 13-mile bike ride through the Colorado winter every time he is required to provide a sample, unless he can find another way to the station. Talk about being left out in the cold.
Colorado Alcohol Evaluations
If you have been found guilty of drunk driving and are now facing alcohol evaluations, here are a few tips to ensure that the process goes smoothly:
- Think of it like a job interview – you will want to be professional. You are being evaluated on your ability to comply with the terms of your sentencing, so showing that you take the charges seriously can be a boon for you moving forward. Dress nicely and show up 15 minutes early for your appointment.
- Speak to your attorney prior to your evaluation to receive advice on what you should and should not answer during your written questionnaire and your in-person interview. Like in any other part of the criminal process, anything you say can be used against you. You still maintain your right to remain silent and not to self-incriminate, so make sure you discuss this process with your attorney, especially if you are considering an appeal.
- This should go without saying, but when you show up, be clean. Depending on what test you are administered, even a drink you had five days ago can show up on the test. A positive test for drugs or alcohol on your very first evaluation is not a very good start.
The drunk driving defense attorneys at Thomas Law Firm understand how DUI can affect every aspect of a person’s life, so we work together to serve all of our clients’ related needs.
