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Greeley DUI Defense Attorney
Bruno Lilly LeClere
Arrested for Intoxicated Driving in Greeley? Get Help From a Criminal Defense Attorney
Legally Reviewed by Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly on June 27, 2026
At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Greeley drugged and drunk driving attorneys are zealous, trial-tested lawyers and advocates for motorists. We provide legal defense for driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana in Greeley and other areas of Colorado. Our Greeley criminal defense attorneys firmly believe that every defendant deserves personalized legal representation. If you were arrested for intoxicated driving in Weld County, our Greeley DUI attorney is ready to help you protect your rights and your future. Managing partners Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly and Andrew C.R. LeClere bring more than 20 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case, including DUI and DWAI charges throughout Weld County. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation at (720) 340-1373.Call our Greeley law office at 720-340-1373 or send us a direct message for a completely confidential consultation..
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The 7-Day DMV Hearing Deadline in Weld County
Colorado takes impaired driving charges very seriously. A person found in control of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit in Greeley can be arrested. You can also be charged for driving while under the influence of marijuana. Here are four things to know about the DUI/DWAI laws in Colorado from our Greeley DUI attorney:
The Legal Limit Is 0.08 — With Exceptions
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-4-1301), the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 for most drivers. However, drivers under the age of 21 and drivers actively operating commercial vehicles are subject to a reduced BAC limit. Even a first-time offense carries real consequences, including the possibility of license suspension, jail time, and lasting damage to your criminal record.
Marijuana DUI/DWAI Can Lead to Jail Time, Fines, and More
First-conviction penalties for marijuana DUI in Greeley can include 5 days to one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, driver’s license suspension, and community service. Second and third convictions carry additional jail time, increased fines, longer license suspensions, and expanded community service requirements. After four or more offenses, the severity of criminal penalties grows substantially.
DUI Penalties Are More Severe With Each Offense
Drunk driving penalties in Greeley depend largely on a defendant’s prior history. A first-offense DUI carries 5 days to 1 year in jail, a $600 to $1,000 fine, and a 9-month license suspension. A second-offense DUI carries 10 days to 1 year in jail, a $600 to $1,500 fine, and a one-year license revocation. The penalties escalate with each offense and can eventually become a felony charge under Colorado criminal law.
Aggravating Factors May Lead to Increased Criminal Penalties
Beyond prior DUI/DWAI offenses, other factors may lead to more severe consequences in court. Aggravating factors in a Greeley drunk driving case include extreme intoxication, reckless driving, the presence of a child in the vehicle, and causing an accident while intoxicated. These factors can dramatically increase criminal liability and elevate what would otherwise be a misdemeanor into felony territory.
What Constitutes a DWAI in Greeley?
In Greeley, you are considered to be DWAI if your ability to drive is impaired by drugs or alcohol in any measurable degree. Any amount that makes you less capable of safely operating a vehicle can trigger a DWAI charge. See the legal limits for DWAI in Greeley (C.R.S. 42-4-1301).
Alcohol:
DWAI is anything over 0.05% but under 0.08%
DUI is triggered by anything over 0.08% blood alcohol content
Marijuana:
DWAI is any amount that impairs your ability to drive
DUI is 5 nanograms of THC/milliliter of whole blood
Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending DWAI in Greeley
DUI charges have set limits for blood alcohol content and THC levels. DWAI charges differ in that your inability to drive safely must be proven by the prosecutor. If your BAC or THC level was under the legal limit and your ability to drive was not meaningfully affected, you may not have committed a DWAI. If you have been charged with a DWAI or DUI in Greeley, contact our Greeley criminal defense attorneys for immediate help. We also handle drug crime charges that often accompany impaired driving arrests.
Statute of Limitations for DUI and DWAI in Greeley
A drunk or drugged driving charge can cost you money and your freedom. Our attorneys have the skills, legal knowledge, and tenacity to handle all types of DUI court cases in Greeley. Among other things, our Colorado DUI defense attorney is prepared to:
- Conduct a comprehensive, confidential assessment of your DUI case
- Answer your questions and explain the next steps in the process
- Investigate the case and review the arrest to ensure your rights were respected
- Develop a defense strategy focused on helping you secure the best possible outcome
Our attorneys have a history of success stories across a wide range of DUI cases. We know that every DUI/DWAI case is different, and we put forward your best interests and the resources needed to get results.
“If you need a good defense attorney, this legal team is the best legal option that I have ever used. I am 50 years old and raised in St. Louis, MO so I have had my share of defense attorneys in different states and by far the Bruno Lilly team is exceptional! I never had to wait for someone to call me back they would get back to me within moments. She kept me informed every step of the way, plus my case was treated with high priority just like all other cases she was handling. This law firm stood close by my side till the end. The energy and confidence Mrs. Lilly displayed in the courtroom gave me peace of mind to know that everything would turn out great. If you need a great lawyer, this law firm and its lawyers are the call to make! Thank you Bruno Lilly and your lawyers for fighting and winning for me!” – R.C., Former Client
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI and DWAI in Greeley
What happens if I miss the 7-day DMV hearing deadline in Weld County?
If you miss the 7-day deadline to request an Express Consent Revocation Hearing, your driver’s license will be automatically revoked by the Colorado DMV — even before your criminal case is resolved. This revocation is separate from any criminal penalties. Contacting an attorney immediately after your arrest is the best way to protect your driving privileges.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWAI in Colorado?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is charged when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. A DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) is charged when your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.079%, or when any amount of alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to drive to the slightest degree. Both charges carry real consequences including fines, license points, and potential jail time.
What is a DMV hearing?
A DMV hearing is scheduled for a division officer to review the evidence of an alleged DUI, DWAI, or UDD and decide whether or not that individual’s license should be suspended, denied, or canceled. You have only 7 days from your arrest to request this hearing. Facing a DMV hearing? Let our firm help you keep your license.
Can a DUI or DWAI charge be reduced or dismissed in Greeley?
Yes, in many cases. Charges may be reduced or dismissed based on an unlawful traffic stop, improper field sobriety test administration, breathalyzer calibration errors, blood test chain of custody issues, or other procedural and constitutional violations. Our attorneys review every aspect of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
What penalties do I face if I’m arrested for underage drinking and driving (UDD) in Colorado?
Having a BAC of 0.02–0.05 could result in a 3-month license suspension for a first-time offense, a 6-month license suspension for a second-time offense, a 1-year suspension for a third or subsequent offense, and 4 points against the driver’s license. If you or a child were arrested for UDD, contact our firm immediately.
What is the statute of limitations for a DUI in Colorado?
For a misdemeanor DUI or DWAI, prosecutors have 18 months from the date of the offense to file charges. For a felony DUI (typically a fourth or subsequent offense), the deadline is 3 years. If a DUI resulted in the death of another person, the statute of limitations is 5 years under C.R.S. § 16-5-401.
What do police officers look for when pulling someone over for drunk driving?
Officers look for slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol, pupil dilation, and a flushed face. If a police officer suspects intoxication, they will likely ask you to perform field sobriety tests. You are not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself — exercise your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately.
Can I speed up the sobering process?
No. You cannot speed up the sobering process by drinking caffeine, eating certain foods, taking cold showers, or exercising. You simply have to wait to sober up naturally. You can drink water and drinks high in electrolytes to help stay hydrated.
Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty to a DUI in Greeley?
Yes. Even if you are considering a guilty plea, an experienced DUI attorney can negotiate significantly better terms — including reduced charges, lower fines, alternatives to jail, and diversion programs. Our attorneys review every plea offer carefully before advising on whether to accept, negotiate, or take the case to trial.
Call Our Greeley DUI Lawyers for Immediate Help
At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys handle the full spectrum of drugged and drunk driving charges in the Greeley area. A conviction for DUI or DWAI carries serious criminal liability, including jail time, heavy fines, and long-term license suspension in Weld County. Contact us now for a strictly confidential, no-obligation initial case evaluation and free consultation. From our Greeley law office, we serve Weld County including Evans, Windsor, Eaton, Fort Lupton, and Brighton.
- Brighton
- Fort Lupton
- Boulder County
- Larimer County
- Weld County
- Eaton
- Evans
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Bruno Lilly LeClere
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
From our Greeley and Fort Collins offices, we provide legal representation to those in Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Boulder, Berthoud, Evans, Eaton, Brighton, Fort Lupton, Boulder County, Larimer County, Weld County, and Adams County.
- Brighton
- Fort Lupton
- Boulder County
- Larimer County
- Weld County
- Eaton
- Evans