The legal system doesn’t care that you’ve never been in trouble. It doesn’t ask about your intentions, your job, your kids, or your future. If police arrested you and it is your first DUI in Colorado, the state moves forward like it always does, fast, impersonal, and unforgiving.
But that’s not how we do things at The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC. When you hire us, you’re not a case file. You’re a person who made a mistake and deserves a Loveland first-time DUI lawyer who will fight tirelessly for you. We understand what’s at stake. We believe a single misstep shouldn’t unravel your future. We know this charge feels like a crisis. And we work tirelessly to spin it into a turning point.
Can a First DUI in Colorado Threaten Everything I’ve Built?
Getting arrested for DUI doesn’t just mean flashing lights and a court date. It means:
- Losing your driver’s license for up to nine months;
- Facing up to one year in jail;
- Paying fines, court fees, and skyrocketing insurance premiums;
- Being treated like a repeat offender, even though you’ve never had so much as a parking ticket; and
- Watching your job, professional licenses, or immigration status hang in the balance.
Perhaps worst of all, one moment can overshadow everything you’ve worked for, forcing you to defend your character to people who may only see a charge, not the person behind it. The system may not care about your story. But we do, and we’ll make sure it’s heard.
Work with a Loveland First-Time DUI Lawyer Who Treats You Like a Human Being
Most DUI lawyers talk about winning. At The Harrell Law Firm, we also listen. Why is that important? Because when you’re facing your first DUI, success isn’t just about the outcome. It’s about feeling respected, understood, and empowered while getting there.
Attorney Sean Harrell has been recognized among the Top 100 criminal defense attorneys in Colorado by The National Trial Lawyers, but that’s not what sets him apart. What matters is how he shows up for you. Sean takes the time to learn who you are, what matters most to you, and how we can protect it. Then he builds a defense strategy that reflects your goals, not someone else’s idea of a win.
We’ve represented countless first-time DUI clients in Loveland and throughout Northern Colorado. With our transparent flat-fee or hourly pricing, you’ll never feel blindsided by the process—or the bill.
What Can a DUI Lawyer Do for Me?
You don’t need to plead guilty, and you don’t need to go through this alone. When you work with us, your defense can include:
- Challenging the stop and arrest. Colorado law requires probable cause. We’ll use that to your advantage if the officer didn’t have it.
- Reviewing breathalyzer and blood tests. We know how to identify calibration errors, contamination, or unlawful test administration that can invalidate results.
- Representing you at the DMV hearing. You only have seven days from your arrest to request a hearing. We’ll fight to preserve your license.
- Negotiating for diversion or deferred judgment. First offenders are often eligible for programs that result in dismissal. We’ll make the strongest possible case for your inclusion.
- Limiting consequences. Even if the evidence feels overwhelming, we can often reduce jail time, eliminate license suspension, or avoid a criminal record altogether.
Our team doesn’t just file motions. We tell your story to prosecutors, judges, and, if necessary, a jury. Your story matters. Let us help you tell it the right way.
Why Hire The Harrell Law Firm?
Maybe you’re a teacher. A nurse. A construction worker with a CDL. Perhaps you were driving home from a friend’s wedding or a Loveland brewery. Now you’re terrified that your license, reputation, or freedom is on the line. We’ve seen this scenario repeatedly: good people have bad nights and get caught in a state legal system that doesn’t stop to ask questions.
That’s why we offer:
- Free consultations. No pressure, just answers.
- 5-star service. Our 5-star Google reviews come from real reviews from people in your shoes.
- Rooted advocacy. We live and work in Loveland, and we know the local courts inside and out.
- Flexible pricing models. Flat-fee, hourly, or hybrid structures that suit your life and budget.
Most importantly, you’ll always deal directly with Attorney Sean Harrell, not a junior associate or case manager. You get experience, empathy, and honesty from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About First-Time DUIs in Colorado
Is a First-Time DUI in Colorado a Felony?
No. A first DUI is a misdemeanor unless someone was seriously injured or you have prior convictions.
How Long Will My License Be Suspended?
If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over 0.08%, the standard suspension is 9 months. But we may be able to challenge this or secure early reinstatement. If your BAC was over 0.15%, it is 3 years.
Can I Go to Jail for a First DUI?
Yes. However, it’s rare for first-time offenders, and having an experienced lawyer by your side can help reduce the risk of a jail sentence.
Is There a Way to Get My DUI Charge Dismissed?
Possibly. If there were procedural errors, faulty tests, or eligibility for a diversion program, we may be able to get your charges dropped.
Will a First DUI Show Up on a Background Check?
Yes. A misdemeanor DUI conviction will be visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards. Even if you’re acquitted, the arrest may appear in a background check unless your record is sealed. We can advise you on whether sealing is possible in your case.
Can I Drive to Work After a DUI Arrest?
Possibly. If the DMV suspends your license, you may qualify for a restricted license or early reinstatement with an ignition interlock device. We’ll walk you through your eligibility and help you apply.
What’s the Difference Between DUI And DWAI in Colorado?
A DUI (driving under the influence) usually requires a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Police can charge a DWAI (driving while ability impaired) at just 0.05%. While DWAI carries lighter penalties, both criminal offenses can impact your license and record. We’ll evaluate whether a DWAI plea is right in your case.
How Soon Should I Hire a Lawyer After a DUI Arrest?
Immediately. You have just seven days to request a DMV hearing, or the DMV will automatically suspend your license. The earlier we start, the more options we have to defend you.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
Searching for first-time DUI lawyers near me? At The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC, we don’t believe a single police report should define your life. We believe in big-picture stories. Your story deserves to be heard, clearly, truthfully, and powerfully. If the police charged you with your first DUI in Colorado, let us help you reclaim your footing. We’ll listen. We’ll fight. And we’ll make sure this moment doesn’t define the rest of your life.
A first DUI doesn’t have to define your future. In fact, with the right help, it can become the moment you take control of your life and steer it in a better direction. Schedule your free consultation now and partner with a Loveland first-time DUI lawyer who sees the whole picture and knows how to protect it.