Is a DUI Worse than a Hit & Run?
May 11, 2016

The potential impacts of DUIs vs hit & runs in CO
In terms of criminal charges and the associated penalties, whether DUI charges or hit-and-run charges in Colorado are “worse” (i.e., more severe) will depend on the circumstances involved, as either can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies.
When Colorado DUI Charges Are Misdemeanors versus Felonies
In general, Colorado DUIs will be associated with misdemeanor charges when:
- Drivers have fewer than three prior DUIs on their record.
- The alleged DUI did not involve any aggravating circumstances (like a traffic crash, injuries or fatalities). If, however, the alleged DUI involved an injury-related or fatal crash, felony charges (e.g., vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charges) may be filed along with misdemeanor DUI charges.
- The alleged DUI did not involve any additional criminal offenses (such as, for instance, drug possession, motor vehicle theft, etc.).
In contrast, Colorado DUIs can be filed as felonies when drivers have at least three prior DUI convictions on their criminal record. When Colorado DUIs are filed as felonies, they will typically be Class 4 felony charges, which can be punishable by up to six years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
When Colorado Hit-and-Run Charges Are Misdemeanors versus Felonies
In terms of Colorado hit-and-run charges, these are usually filed as misdemeanor charges when:
- The driver does not have a history of hit-and-run convictions.
- The crash only involved property damage or “minor” injuries.
In contrast, Colorado hit-and-runs can be filed as felonies when they result in:
- Serious bodily injury, in which case these charges are usually associated with Class 5 felony charges – Upon conviction, these hit-and-run felonies can be punishable by up to 3 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
- Death, in which case these charges typically involve Class 3 felony charges – Upon conviction, these hit-and-run felonies can be punishable by up to 12 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
DUIs & Hit-and-Runs: The Bottom Line
When it comes to DUI and hit-and-run charges in Colorado, the bottom line is that:
- Both allegations – even if they only involve misdemeanor charges – can come with some harsh penalties, which may have long-term impacts on people’s careers, reputations and future.
- Having the representation of a skilled defense attorney can be integral to protecting your rights, favorably resolving the case, and reclaiming your life and future.
Contact a Denver DUI Lawyer at the Griffin Law Firm
If you have been accused of impaired driving (or any other criminal offense) in Colorado, you can turn to the Denver DUI lawyer at Griffin Law Firm for exceptional defense representation moving forward.
With nearly 20 years’ experience in the criminal justice system, our attorney understands the complexities of the system, the challenges different defendants can face and the best ways of overcoming these challenges to bring criminal cases to successful resolutions.
To receive a complete evaluation of your case, along with professional advice regarding your best options, contact us by calling (303) 280-1070 or by emailing us using the contact form at the top of this page.
The accused are innocent until proven guilty and we believe everyone deserves to be treated fairly.
Christopher Griffin
It is our goal to ensure that every person charged with a crime is given the experienced and caring representation they deserve.
Christopher Griffin