DUI Defense Experts
Aggressive DUI Defense When Your License, Freedom, and Future Are at Risk
A DUI arrest can affect every part of your life. You may be facing jail time, steep fines, a suspended license, higher insurance costs, ignition interlock requirements, and a permanent stain on your record. If you were arrested for DUI, DWAI, marijuana DUI, or another impaired driving offense in Colorado Springs or anywhere in Colorado, Schwaner Law is prepared to help.
Attorney Christian Schwaner is a former prosecutor with over 20 years of courtroom experience. He knows how DUI cases are built, where the evidence is often vulnerable, and how to fight for the best possible outcome.
Call now for a free consultation: (719) 577-9700
A DUI Charge in Colorado Is Too Serious to Handle Alone
At Schwaner Law, we defend clients facing a wide range of impaired driving charges in Colorado Springs and throughout Colorado. We look beyond the accusation and examine how the stop happened, how the evidence was gathered, and whether the prosecution can actually prove the case.
If your DUI arrest also involves related criminal allegations, visit our Criminal Defense page. If the incident involved relationship-based allegations or a no-contact order, learn more about our Domestic Violence Defense representation.
Why Choose Schwaner Law for DUI Defense?
A DUI conviction can create immediate and long-term problems, but not every case should be handled the same way. You need a defense attorney who can evaluate the facts carefully, explain your options clearly, and act quickly to protect both your criminal case and your driving privileges.
Clients choose Schwaner Law because we offer:
Former Prosecutor Insight
Attorney Schwaner understands how the prosecution approaches DUI cases and how to identify weaknesses in the government’s evidence.
More Than 20 Years of Experience
Our firm brings decades of courtroom experience in Colorado Springs criminal defense and impaired driving matters.
Strategic, Personalized Defense
Every DUI case is different. We build a strategy based on the facts of your stop, your testing results, your record, and your goals.
A Strong Focus on Protecting Your Future
To learn more about the attorney behind the firm, visit our About Us page.
DUI Charges We Handle
We handle cases involving:
DUI
If you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be facing serious criminal penalties and administrative consequences affecting your license.
DWAI
Driving While Ability Impaired may be charged even when the alleged level of impairment is lower than a traditional DUI. It still carries serious consequences and should not be taken lightly.
Marijuana DUI
Colorado drivers can face DUI allegations based on marijuana use, including cases involving blood testing and disputed impairment.
Drug-Related Driving Charges
Prescription medication, controlled substances, and other drug-related allegations can lead to impaired driving charges that require careful scientific and procedural review.
Underage and First-Time DUI Cases
Even a first offense can affect your record, finances, and future opportunities. Early legal help can make a major difference.
Military-Related DUI Defense
Military members often face both civilian penalties and professional consequences after a DUI arrest. Learn more on our Military Personal Defense page.
If your traffic stop involved other allegations beyond impaired driving, our Criminal Defense page explains how we defend related charges.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Colorado?
A DUI case usually creates two separate problems: the criminal case and the threat to your driver’s license. Many people focus only on court and do not realize how important it is to act quickly on the license side as well.
A typical DUI case may involve:
Arrest and Booking
You may be arrested after a traffic stop, accident investigation, roadside testing, or chemical test request.
License Consequences
A DUI arrest can trigger administrative issues that affect your driving privileges, sometimes before the criminal case is resolved.
Formal Charges
The prosecution reviews the reports, test results, video, and officer observations to decide how to proceed.
Negotiation, Motions, and Defense Preparation
Your lawyer can challenge the stop, the testing, the officer’s conclusions, and other evidence while exploring the best path forward.
Trial or Resolution
Some DUI cases are dismissed or reduced. Others are resolved through negotiated outcomes. Some require a full trial defense.
The earlier you get legal representation, the sooner your defense can begin.
Common DUI Defense Strategies
Depending on the facts, a defense strategy may involve:
Challenging the Traffic Stop
If the officer lacked a valid reason to stop your vehicle, that can affect what evidence may be used against you.
Reviewing Field Sobriety Testing
Field sobriety tests are often subjective and affected by fatigue, injury, stress, weather, road conditions, or medical issues.
Examining Breath or Blood Testing
Chemical test evidence must be handled properly. Errors in administration, maintenance, collection, or chain of custody can matter.
Questioning Officer Observations
Many DUI reports rely heavily on subjective claims about driving, speech, balance, or demeanor. Those observations should be tested, not automatically accepted.
Negotiating for Reduced Charges
In some cases, the best path is to seek a reduction, minimized penalties, or a result that better protects your future.
Preparing for Trial
When the facts support it, we are prepared to challenge the case in court and fight for an acquittal.
If your case involves alleged threats, weapons, or other serious accusations from the same incident, review our Felony Menacing Defense page. If the stop also led to a serious speeding citation, see our 6-Point Speeding Ticket Defense page.
DUI Defense for Marijuana, Prescription Drugs, and DWAI Allegations
Not every DUI case involves alcohol alone. Colorado impaired-driving cases may involve marijuana, prescription medication, or other substances, and those cases often raise complex questions about actual impairment and the reliability of testing.
That is especially important when the prosecution tries to rely on assumptions, generalized impairment claims, or incomplete scientific interpretation. These cases require a defense attorney who will take the time to examine the details instead of treating the case like a routine plea.
Whether you are accused of DUI, DWAI, or drug-related impairment, Schwaner Law works to identify the weaknesses in the case and pursue the best available outcome.
How a DUI Conviction Can Affect Your Life
- your driver’s license
- your insurance costs
- your employment opportunities
- professional licensing concerns
- background checks
- military career implications
- future sentencing exposure if you are charged again
That is why it is so important to talk with a lawyer before making decisions about pleas, admissions, or how to handle your case.
For broader information about defending criminal allegations in Colorado Springs, visit our Criminal Defense page.
What You Should Do After a DUI Arrest
The hours and days after a DUI arrest matter. Taking the right steps early can help protect your case.
Do Not Assume the Case Is Hopeless
An arrest does not equal a conviction. Many DUI cases involve issues worth challenging.
Avoid Making Additional Statements
Do not keep explaining the situation to police or others in ways that may later be used against you.
Preserve What You Remember
Write down details about the stop, the testing, the officer’s instructions, your physical condition, and anything unusual that happened.
Act Quickly on License Issues
DUI cases often involve deadlines and time-sensitive decisions related to your ability to drive.
Speak With a Lawyer Right Away
Early representation gives you the best chance to protect your rights and build an effective defense.
To get started, use our Contact Us page or call now.
DUI Defense for Colorado Springs and Clients Across Colorado
For service members and others with heightened professional exposure, our Military Personal Defense page explains how we approach cases with added career consequences.
Frequantly Asked Questions
Get Quick Answers to Common Concerns
Is a first-time DUI really that serious?
Yes. Even a first offense can lead to significant criminal, financial, and license-related consequences.
Can a DUI be reduced to DWAI?
In some cases, yes. It depends on the evidence, the facts of the stop, your record, and the overall strength of the case.
Should I just plead guilty and move on?
Not until you understand the consequences and have had the case reviewed. What seems like the fastest option may not be the best one.
What if I refused testing?
Refusal can create serious complications, especially regarding your license, but it does not mean the case cannot be defended.
Do you handle marijuana DUI cases?
Yes. Schwaner Law defends clients accused of marijuana-related impaired driving and other drug-based DUI allegations.
Get Experienced DUI Defense Before One Arrest Changes Everything
Call (719) 577-9700 today or contact Schwaner Law online to schedule your free consultation.
You can also learn more about the firm on our About Us page and explore related services including Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Defense, Felony Menacing Defense, and Military Personal Defense.
