You’re driving home to Colorado after a weekend in Utah when flashing lights appear behind you. The officer pulls you over, asks a few questions, conducts field sobriety tests—and suddenly, you’re in the back of a patrol car. It’s a DUI. But it didn’t happen here. So now you’re asking: What happens if you get a DUI in another state? Does a DUI follow you from state to state?
If you’re a Colorado driver facing an out-of-state DUI, the penalties don’t stop where the arrest occurred. This guide breaks down how an out-of-state DUI affects your Colorado license, your legal obligations, and the steps you can take to protect your record.
Can a DUI in Another State Affect My Colorado License?
Yes. Often more than people expect. Colorado is part of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC). These interstate agreements let states share information about serious traffic violations, including DUIs. This means that even if your arrest happens outside of Colorado, the charge likely won’t stay secret for long.
Once Colorado’s Department of Revenue and Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) finds out, they can take action, including:
- Adding points to your driving record,
- Suspending or revoking your Colorado license,
- Requiring completion of alcohol education or treatment programs,
- Imposing SR-22 insurance filing requirements,
- Mandate the Installation of an ignition interlock device.
Under the DLC and NRVC, the offense doesn’t have to match Colorado’s law exactly, as long as it’s “substantially similar,” the state can still act. In short, Colorado can and likely will respond as though the offense occurred here.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with DUI in Another State
Being charged with DUI away from home is stressful. But ignoring it can lead to lasting consequences. Here’s what to do instead:
- Hire an attorney licensed in the state where the DUI occurred. They may be able to resolve the case without you returning in person.
- Consult a Colorado DUI defense attorney. You need someone who understands how the out-of-state charge could affect your local license.
- Watch for mail from the Colorado DMV. Notices of suspension, reinstatement conditions, or compliance requests often come fast.
- Document everything. Keep proof of court compliance, treatment, or interlock installation since it helps during Colorado’s review.
- Act quickly. Missed deadlines, even administrative ones, can lead to license loss or other difficult-to-undo penalties.
Taking these steps early helps protect your driving record and reduces penalties in both states.
What You’re Legally Required to Do After an Out-of-State DUI
Crossing state lines doesn’t erase your responsibilities. Ignoring them can make things worse. Here’s what typically happens:
- You must appear in court in the arresting state or hire a licensed local attorney to appear on your behalf;
- You must complete all court-imposed requirements, including fines, jail time, ignition interlock, or substance abuse classes; and
- You may need to show proof of compliance to the Colorado DMV, particularly if the other state reports your conviction or license suspension.
If you fail to comply, the other state may issue a warrant, and Colorado may suspend your license until you resolve the matter. Colorado can also charge you with driving under restraint, which carries severe penalties, including potential jail time and longer revocation periods.
What If I Already Handled the Case in the Other State?
Even if you’ve served your sentence, paid fines, or completed treatment where the DUI occurred, Colorado may still impose its own administrative penalties. Why? Because each state has its own licensing authority. Completing penalties in one jurisdiction doesn’t necessarily satisfy another.
But a charge isn’t the same as a conviction. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help you address the charges head-on and limit the fallout.
We Help Colorado Drivers Handle DUI Charges, Even Across State Lines
At The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC, we know that legal problems don’t always happen in your zip code. Led by Sean Harrell, an attorney with over 14 years of trial experience, including time as a prosecutor, we represent Colorado drivers facing DUI fallout from other jurisdictions. Whether your arrest happened in Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, or elsewhere, we’ll help you understand how it impacts your Colorado license and what to do next.
Our Loveland-based team works with clients across Larimer, Weld, and Boulder counties. We analyze both states’ court records, DMV notices, and facts to craft a tailored, effective defense.
Don’t Let an Out-of-State DUI Follow You Home
If you’re facing a DUI charge from another state or just wondering what happens if you get a DUI in another state, your next steps matter. A strong defense means understanding both jurisdictions’ legal systems and acting fast to protect your rights.
This isn’t just about defending a charge. It’s about protecting your future in Colorado. We’re here to help you do both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Go Back to the State Where I Got the DUI?
Maybe. Depending on the state and court, your local attorney may be able to appear on your behalf, especially for misdemeanor charges.
Will Colorado Suspend My License Automatically?
Not always. However, if the out-of-state DMV or court reports the offense, Colorado can take administrative action, even if you have fulfilled all the requirements in the other state.
Does a DUI Follow You from State to State?
Yes. A DUI can follow you home thanks to information-sharing compacts like the DLC and NRVC. For Colorado drivers, that means your license, insurance rates, and even job prospects may be affected.
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