DUI Law Firm Denver reports an increase in marijuana-related driving under the influence cases in the area surrounding Denver International Airport, reflecting broader enforcement trends as Colorado law enforcement adapts to cannabis legalization challenges.
The firm has observed a notable uptick in DUI cases involving marijuana impairment among both Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors in the airport vicinity. This trend coincides with increased enforcement efforts and the complexities of prosecuting cannabis-related impairment cases under Colorado law.
"The area around Denver International Airport presents unique enforcement challenges due to the mix of local residents, tourists, and business travelers," said Emilio De Simone, lead attorney at DUI Law Firm Denver. "Many visitors are unaware that Colorado's marijuana laws include strict provisions against driving while impaired by cannabis, with penalties comparable to alcohol-related DUI charges."
Colorado law enforcement agencies have reported difficulties in establishing impairment levels for marijuana, as THC metabolites can remain detectable long after impairment has subsided. Unlike alcohol, which has established legal limits, marijuana impairment assessment relies heavily on officer observations and field sobriety tests.
The DUI Attorneys at DUI Law Firm Denver note that marijuana-related DUI arrests often involve additional complexities compared to alcohol cases. Blood test results for THC can be misleading, as regular users may show elevated levels without current impairment, while occasional users might be significantly impaired at lower THC concentrations.
Recent data from the Colorado Department of Transportation indicates that approximately 15 percent of DUI arrests statewide now involve marijuana. The airport area sees higher rates due to factors including cannabis tourism and travelers unfamiliar with local enforcement practices.
DUI Law Firm Denver Attorney professionals emphasize that penalties for marijuana DUI mirror those for alcohol-related offenses. First-time offenders face potential jail time of five days to one year, fines ranging from $600 to $1,000, public service requirements of 48 to 96 hours, and license suspension for nine months. Subsequent offenses carry increasingly severe consequences.
The firm has handled numerous cases involving airport-area marijuana DUI arrests, including situations where medical marijuana patients from other states were unaware of Colorado's driving restrictions. Out-of-state visitors often assume that marijuana legalization extends to impaired driving, leading to arrests and serious legal consequences.
"Colorado's Express Consent law applies equally to marijuana and alcohol impairment," added De Simone. "Refusing a chemical test results in automatic license suspension and can be used as evidence in court proceedings. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone driving in Colorado."
The rise in marijuana-related DUI cases has prompted law enforcement agencies to increase training for officers in recognizing cannabis impairment. Drug recognition experts are increasingly utilized in investigations, though their assessments remain subject to legal challenges.
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DUI Law Firm Denver specializes in defending clients against DUI and DWAI charges throughout the Denver metropolitan area. The firm handles cases involving alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances, providing legal representation in both criminal proceedings and administrative license hearings. Established in Denver, the firm maintains expertise in Colorado DUI law, including recent legislative changes and evolving enforcement practices related to cannabis impairment.
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For more information about DUI Law Firm Denver, contact the company here:
DUI Law Firm Denver
Emilio De Simone
303‑404‑7492
info@duilawfirmdenver.com
1890 N Gaylord Street
Denver, CO 80206
