Colorado Marijuana DUI/DWAI Defense Attorney

Receiving a DUI or DWAI for drugged driving is not a new concept. Each state has laws discouraging people from using motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. Colorado is no different.

Understanding Colorado’s Marijuana DUI/DWAI Limits

Colorado finds itself in a unique position regarding drug-related DUI/DWAI charges. As only one of two states with legal marijuana, the Centennial State needed to establish a blood level limit of active THC. The limit was needed to help police determine if a person is “too stoned to drive.”

To determine if a motorist is under the influence, the limit for Delta 9- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in marijuana, was set at 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Five nanograms or higher results in a marijuana-related DUI charge and below 5 nanograms can result in a DWAI charge.

Five nanograms per milliliter is not a large amount by any stretch of the imagination. A nanogram is equal to 1 billionth of a gram. To illustrate just how small that is, consider this: a paperclip weighs one gram. Slice that paperclip into one billion equal pieces. Each slice is equal to one nanogram- Colorado has deemed five nanograms to be the legal limit per milliliter of blood. A milliliter being equal to 20 drops of liquid. That wouldn’t be enough to fill your tablespoon half way.

Testing Methods and Controversies Surrounding THC Levels

There are four different types of tests used to detect the use of marijuana, but only a blood or saliva swab detect active Delta 9 – THC. Urine and hair drug tests only detect the byproducts left by your body breaking down THC. This limits law enforcement’s testing options to a saliva or blood test. A blood test is the most common marijuana drug test Colorado law enforcement officers use.

The saliva test allegedly detects the THC level and the recency of marijuana use. Yet saliva testing isn’t being widely used, leaving the blood draw as the most common test. Blood testing provides police with accurate THC levels, but that is where the controversy lies in this matter.

Opponents say the law is unfair to habitual users and those with medical marijuana cards. Since THC stays in the body longer, habitual users are in constant violation of current marijuana DUI laws. Denver area pot critic “William Breathes,” wrote how long marijuana stayed in his system. Breathes, a self-admitted daily user of marijuana, abstained from marijuana for three days. He then submitted to a blood test. The results showed a THC level 3 times the legal limit in his system, even after 72 hours. You can read his post here.

The law can change in the future. After more research on marijuana and impairment, politicians could change the legal limit. Case rulings can also alter the way the law is applied, but any change through those methods will be slow coming.

Seeking Legal Help After a Marijuana DUI/DWAI Charge

Regardless of whether you agree with the limit or not, it is the law in Colorado on marijuana-related DUI/DWAI charges. Colorado residents using marijuana should not get behind the wheel. Even if they “feel fine,” or think the effects have worn off, it’s in everyone’s best interest if someone else drives. If that’s not an option, a bus or cab ride would also be cheaper than a DWAI/DUI charge.

Yet, we’re all human and we all make mistakes. A DUI/DWAI charge for marijuana or alcohol is an dangerous and expensive mistake. DUI/DWAI laws are not forgiving to those who are charged with violating them.

But this type of mistake doesn’t make you a bad person. We’re all human and should be treated like such. That’s where Wolf Law is different from other criminal defense attorneys in Colorado.

Call Us Today!

Marijuana-impaired driving cases can follow you for years—but they don’t have to define you. At Wolf Law LLC, we’re ready to help you challenge the evidence, defend your rights, and preserve your future.

Contact us today or call 720-479-8574 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.

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Hit and Run Charges

I had multiple charges stacked against me by the CSP office for a questionable “hit and run” in my office parking lot. Jeff reviewed the video evidence and was able to get the charges reduced from 26 points against my driver’s license down to 4. He was also able to get the fines reduced to the minimum amount! Jeff was extremely knowledgeable and helped ease my fears each time we spoke and explained the whole process and what to expect along the way. Thank you, Jeff!

— Jim M.

APPRECIATION

I would like to place on record the immense appreciation for Ms Colleen Kelly, Partner at Wolf Law LCC. I had an opportunity as a Solicitor to interact with her on behalf of one of my clients in a DV Matter. Her professionalism and knowledge of law is absolutely outstanding. She is extremely honest and straightforward in her legal advice. She always keeps the interest of the client a priority and safe guards the interest of the client at all times. She is an asset to the legal team and adds value with her expertise and knowledge.

— Nirvikar Singh, Advocate Supreme Court of India

I Will Definitely Hire Mr. Wolf Again

I turned to Wolf Law for help after a small bumper ding in a Starbucks parking lot escalated once the Denver PD was involved. Jeff expertly stepped in to keep the matter from getting any more complex, including speaking with a Denver Police Officer who seemed intent on imposing the most severe charges possible. Jeff continued his zealous representation of my case in Traffic Court where he worked out a reduction in the ticket with the Denver City Attorney and also eloquently explained the situation and the facts at hand to the judge, resulting in a reduction in the fine. Wolf Law exceeded my expectations on this case and managed to keep me calm about the severity of the charges throughout the process. I would highly recommend Wolf Law to anyone and everyone, and if I ever have the need, I will definitely hire Mr. Wolf again.

— Gil S.

Deferred Sentence, Sealed Record For Pot Possession

In July of 2009 I was charged with possession of marijuana. I contacted Jeff with Wolf Law and worked with him to find my best options. Jeff was very knowledgeable, honest and professional. He worked quickly and effectively to get me a deferred sentence and ultimately seal the record of this infraction. I also had a prior charge that was many years old that was also a deferred sentence. Jeff worked to seal that record in order help maintain my privacy. I now have used this ability to change my field of work and pass a background check with no infractions visible on my record. My life is moving onward and upward due to the help that was provided by Wolf Law. Thank You Jeff!

— John

Beyond the Best

Jeffrey Wolf has been a beacon of hope to me when my situation seemed limited and unlikely of a positive outcome. He represented me for a DUI and as a domestic violence victim and did a phenomenal job on both. Not only was he able to defend and represent me, but his empathetic and ethical demeanor offered hope to myself and someone I truly care about. My partner and I are eternally grateful for his service, and I hereby recommend him without hesitation since I could not imagine a better result without him representing me.

— Marisabel

Would Have Been Lost Without Wolf Law

I was charged with my first DUI and was referred to Jeff by a friend of mine. He gave me a realistic expectation of what would happen and is an expert at navigating the process. Jeff is always incredibly quick to respond and is very knowledgeable. He is professional and represented me well in the courtroom. The experience of being charged with a DUI is a terrible, humiliating and challenging event – having an experienced attorney was priceless!

— Anonymous

I Had a Great Outcome in My Case

Jeff Wolf was recommended to me by a colleague I have known since my youth. Accordingly, I met with Jeff. I also met with other attorneys in the Denver area in preparation for my legal issues. I decided to choose Jeff because I had a good feeling about him from the moment I met him and because his ethics and views regarding the vision for his legal practice were aligned with what I hoped for despite having no experience in the legal system previously.

This decision turned out to be one of the the best I have made in my life…literally. I cannot adequately express here how much Jeff’s hard work, determination, knowledge, professionalism, experience, and clear understanding of what I am certain he has a passion for (helping others beyond just being an attorney and defending clients in court) has meant for me. I think he has exceptional skills. I had a great outcome in my case due to the defense Jeff provided in court.

More importantly however, Jeff helped me manage the emotional and professional stress I felt. Jeff reassured me when I most needed reassurance, and ultimately, transform a situation I initially felt was a life changing event into a learning experience that I was able to navigate successfully through his precise and comprehensive guidance. I would recommend Jeff to any member of my family and certainly to anyone to whom his services would apply.

— C. Jackson

Hire A Lawyer You Can Relate To and Trust

I happened to find Jeff through a Google search for a DUI lawyer and I would have to say I really lucked out. I had heard horror stories about attorneys that overcharged their clients and that they would send others to represent them in court. From the initial phone call he helped me understand the process and prepared me for what was ahead. Having never needed a lawyer he was patient and made sure I understood everything before making any decisions. Jeff always made me feel like I was on the same level as him which I really appreciated. Jeff always prepared me for the worst, but in the end with his hard work and suggestions beforehand he managed to get me a pretty good deal. The best advice I could give is to be informed and START EVERYTHING right away. I would also say to hire a lawyer that you can relate to and that you trust. Don’t waste your money on someone that isn’t going to give you the personal attention you deserve. I would gladly recommend Jeff Wolf! He is down to earth and I never felt judged. He gave it to me straight and without hiring him I don’t know where I’d be. Thanks Jeff!

— Issac

Exceptional Attorney Who Truly Cares

I cannot thank Jeffrey enough for his dedication and hard work on my case. From the very beginning, he took the time to understand every detail and worked diligently to ensure the best possible outcome. His expertise, professionalism, and clear communication made a challenging situation much easier to navigate.

What sets Jeffrey apart is his genuine care and commitment to his clients. He went above and beyond to advocate for me, and I always felt like I was in capable and trustworthy hands.

I highly recommend Jeffrey to anyone in need of legal representation. He’s not only an outstanding attorney but also a great person who truly cares about his clients’ success. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate!

— Anonymous

DUI Charge Reduced to Reckless Driving

I approached Mr. Wolf due to a first-time DUI charge. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional throughout every step of the legal process. As a result of his diligence in court, the charges against me were reduced to reckless driving. I would recommend Mr. Wolf’s services to my friends and family.

— Gina