The ski resort areas of Colorado, specifically the 5th Judicial District, boast some of the highest DUI arrest rates. It’s hard to know if this is because the resort area is the drunkest part of the state or if it’s because law enforcement is particularly strict about enforcing DUI laws. According to the police chief in Avon, it’s probably a mix of both.
In the 5th Judicial District, which includes Clear Creek, Eagle, Summit and Lake Counties, you find over 100,000 permanent residents. The area has had 884 DUI arrests so far in 2014, which means that there is a DUI rate of 8.8 for every 1,000 residents. Looking at statistics over the last 10 years, the rate is 10 arrests for every 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than other areas of Colorado, where you find rates from between seven to eight DUI arrests for every 1,000.
You might be tempted to blame the increased arrests on partying tourists who visit the area during ski season, as well as the numerous ski town workers who come into the region for the season. However, according to the police chief for Avon, most of the people arrested for drunk driving are local. He said, “They live here and are not visiting and should be more familiar with the transportation services that are available throughout the county.”
If you’re facing a DUI arrest, you may want to try and defend yourself against the charges. With a prudent defense strategy, you and your DUI attorney can try to get your charges dropped, or reduce the chances and/or severity of your punishments in the event of a conviction.
Source: Denver Post, “Colorado ski resort towns lead state in DUI arrest rate,” Randy Wyrick, accessed Dec. 22, 2017
