FREE Personal Injury Claims Quiz

Take My Free Quiz Now!
(719) 757-1182

When Can You Face Federal DUI Charges?

November 30, 2022 – admin – Sex Crimes

When Can You Face Federal DUI Charges? Foley Law Firm, CO

Most drunk driving charges are state charges. Each state has their own laws for driving under the influence. However, most people don’t realize that there are times when a driver can face a federal DUI charge.

While most federal crimes can occur anywhere, to be charged with a DUI as a federal crime, you must have been driving on land owned by the federal government or anywhere that is federal property.

Some examples of federal property

There are millions of acres of federally owned property in the U.S. Your first thought may be of national parks and forests. Those are examples. There are many other types of federal property, including:

  • Military bases
  • National monuments
  • Historic grounds (for example, Rim Rock Drive here in Colorado)
  • Federal courthouses

A DUI on a road or in a parking lot at any of these locations or on any other property owned by the U.S. Government would likely be a federal DUI.

What kind of federal property you’re on makes a difference

The laws under which a person charged with a federal DUI is tried depend on the location where the alleged offense occurred. A person arrested for DUI in a national park is charged under the federal code. If they’re arrested on any other type of federal property, they’re charged according to the laws of the state where the arrest occurred.

Just as in every state, you can be charged with a federal DUI if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above. Of course, there are times when you may not even need to test that high to face DUI charges. Further, those driving on federal property are subject to “implied consent” laws, which means they can face penalties for refusing any kind of chemical test, like a Breathalyzer-type test.

This is just a brief outline of when you might face a federal DUI charge. There’s a lot more to know if you’re facing one. It’s crucial to have experienced legal guidance to protect your rights.

Related Blog Posts

Proposed Title Ix Changes Address College Sexual Misconduct | Colorado Springs, CO

Proposed Title Ix Changes Address College Sexual Misconduct

As kids head off (or back) to college, it’s a good time to look at the changes the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is proposing to Title IX. That’s the…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

How Are Computer Forensics Used To Investigate Sex Crimes?

Many people have heard the term computer forensics but some just don’t understand what it is or the role it plays in various criminal investigations. Computer forensics experts can be…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

What If A Sexual Partner Lied About Their Age?

Imagine that you met someone online, and they told you they were 18. You were interested in a sexual relationship, and you were very open about that. They agreed to…

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Consent Can Be Tricky When You’re Both Using Drugs Or Alcohol

Say you go to a college party, and everyone there is either drinking or using recreational drugs. You participate in this, and you later find yourself about to have an…

Personal Injury Lawyer in Colorado Springs | Call 719-757-1182

Our Location

Pease Enter Your Name and Number For Callback

Request A Call Back