(COLORADO)—–The choice to drive impaired can have long-lasting effects. Colorado has strict DUI laws and severe penalties for those convicted, including community service, also known as “useful public service.” The number of court-ordered community service hours a sentence includes depends on a driver’s previous convictions.
“For a first-time offense, a driver will be required to perform 48 to 96 hours of useful public service,” stated Chief Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol. “Probation typically monitors the completion of those hours, and you will need to check with the court to ensure that the organization qualifies under their rules before you begin volunteering.”
Finding an organization that is both suitable and willing to accept someone convicted of a DUI can be a challenge. Additionally, a person convicted of DUI may be required to pay a fee to cover the costs of insurance and the operational expenses of the community service program. The court will impose a time requirement to complete the volunteer hours. If a person cannot finish on time, he will need to ask the judge for an extension, or a non-compliance report will be submitted to the court and a hearing scheduled. The judge may remand the person who fails to complete the required hours by the deadline to jail or issue additional fines or require more hours of community service.
“The cost of completing these volunteer hours may go beyond a person losing some of their free time,” explains Col. Packard. “An organization may be very specific about when or what they need. It is not uncommon for a person to miss work time to complete the needed hours.”
If a driver is convicted of a second (or beyond) offense, the sentence will include 48 to 120 hours. The best way to reduce the impact of DUI is not to get one in the first place. Plan ahead for a sober ride.
In addition to a no-tolerance approach to enforcement with impaired drivers, the Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver experiences after being arrested for DUI as part of their “Don’t Underestimate Impairment” campaign during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Making a good decision “in the moment” while already intoxicated is unlikely. Don’t underestimate the consequences of this choice, and plan ahead for a sober ride.
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Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.