(720) 863-7755Most states share DUI arrest and conviction information with each other because the majority of states have adopted the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC).
This effectively means that, if you are arrested for drunk driving in an IDLC member state – and you live in another IDLC member state, the DUI case information will be transmitted to your home state, where you may be required to serve out the penalties of the DUI case if you are ultimately convicted.
Background on the Interstate Driver’s License Compact: What is the IDLC?
Most states share DUI arrest & conviction info because they have adopted the IDLC, a Boulder DUI lawyer reveals. Here’s more on out-of-state DUIs.
The IDLC is an agreement between the 46 member states, as well as the District of Columbia, to communicate information regarding drivers’ license suspensions and certain traffic infractions incurred by non-residents to the home state (i.e., the state where the non-resident is licensed). The intent behind this compact is summed by its theme – One Driver, One License, One Record – which underscores the points that:
- Member states are focused on keeping track of traffic offenses people commit in other states.
- Member states agree to carry out penalties for their residents who commit traffic infractions in other states as though the infraction was committed in the home state.
As of October 2015, the only states that have yet to officially adopt this accord include:
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
Impacts of the IDLC: How an Out-of-State DUI Affect You
So, knowing that Colorado is a member of the IDLC, here’s how an out-of-state DUI can affect you (whether you reside in CO or in another IDLC member state):
- Your driver’s license may be automatically suspended – While you can lose your driving privileges in the state where you were arrested for a DUI, your driving privileges in your home state can also be suspended (especially if you refused BAC testing during the DUI stop).
- You will likely have to return to the state where you were arrested for a DUI – This is because, following your arrest, you will be issued a court date for an arraignment, after which the criminal DUI case against you will proceed. If you miss this court date (or don’t hire a lawyer to appear on your behalf), you could end up having a bench warrant issued for your arrest (for your failure to appear).
- You may have to complete the penalties in your home state – If you end up being convicted of the DUI offense in another IDLC member state, you will most likely have to carry out the penalties of that conviction in your home state. One exception to this, however, can be when a home state does not have equivalent charges (which can occur, for example, if a home state lacks felony DUI charges).
Contact an Adams County & Boulder DUI Lawyer at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates
Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? If so, an Adams County & Boulder DUI lawyer at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates is ready to immediately start defending you. Our primary concern is protecting your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process while helping you obtain the best possible outcome to your case.
To talk about your defense and how we can help you, call us today at (720) 863-7755 or email us using the contact form on this page. We offer complimentary consultations, and we take pride in always being available to our clients – 24 hours per day, 7 days per week – so that they have the personal attention their case deserves.
From our offices based in Northglenn, Broomfield and Boulder, we provide the strongest defense and highest quality legal services to our clients throughout Weld County, Adams County and the state of Colorado.
