Colorado Out of State License DUI/DWI Lawyer
If you hold an out-of-state driver’s license and are arrested for DUI in Colorado, the penalties do not stop at the state line. Colorado participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC), which is an agreement that allows states to share information about traffic violations, license suspensions, and DUI convictions. That means your home state DMV will be notified of your Colorado DUI, and in most cases, your state will treat it as if the offense happened locally. Depending on where you are licensed, this can lead to points on your driving record, a suspended or revoked license, mandatory classes, or even stricter penalties if your home state has tougher DUI laws. In short, a Colorado DUI can follow you home and affect your driving privileges long after you leave the state. Contact experienced Colorado out of state license DUI lawyer Reid DeChant of DeChant Law for more information or immediate assistance.
Out of State DUI/DWI Consequences Tool
To help you understand what you may be facing, use the interactive tool below. Simply select the state where your DUI charges occurred (Colorado) and the state that issued your driver’s license to see the potential penalties under both. Because DUI laws and license suspension rules vary widely and change frequently, it is always recommended to consult with both a Colorado DUI lawyer and a DUI attorney in your home state. The information here is educational only and not legal advice. If you are dealing with an out-of-state DUI in Colorado and want accurate guidance on your situation, contact DeChant Law at 303-409-7500 today.
What Happens If You Get a DUI in Colorado With an Out-of-State License?
If you are licensed in another state but arrested for DUI in Colorado, you face two layers of consequences: the Colorado court system and the license rules of your home state. Colorado will prosecute the DUI criminally, and your case will also be reported to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. This means that even if your Colorado license privileges are revoked, your home state may also suspend or restrict your actual driver’s license once they are notified.
How the Driver License Compact (DLC) Impacts Out-of-State DUI Charges
Colorado is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement among most states to share serious traffic and DUI violations. When you are convicted or face administrative penalties in Colorado, the DLC ensures that your home state receives notice. Most states treat the offense as if it happened locally, meaning your Colorado DUI can directly impact your driving record, insurance rates, and license status back home.
Will My Home State Suspend My License After a Colorado DUI?
The short answer: very likely. Each state has its own laws on DUI penalties and license suspension. Some states impose the same penalties as Colorado, while others may be stricter—requiring longer suspensions, mandatory classes, or ignition interlock devices. Because of these variations, out-of-state drivers often face dual penalties: Colorado consequences plus additional sanctions from their own state’s DMV.
Use Our Interactive Tool to Check Out-of-State DUI Consequences
Not sure what this means for you? Use the interactive tool above to see how your home state is likely to handle a Colorado DUI. Select Colorado as the state of your DUI charges and then choose your driver’s license state to generate potential penalties. This tool helps you understand how the Driver License Compact may affect you, but remember, DUI laws change often and results vary by case.
Why You Should Speak With Both a Colorado DUI Lawyer and a Local Attorney
Facing a DUI in Colorado with an out-of-state license can be overwhelming. A Colorado out of state DUI lawyer can defend you against charges in the local court system, while a lawyer in your home state can guide you on DMV issues and license reinstatement. Working with both ensures that you protect your rights in Colorado and minimize damage to your driving record back home. If you need immediate guidance, call DeChant Law at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation. Our nationwide network will be able to provide you with guidance both regarding your Colorado DUI and out of state driver’s license.
