What is the community service requirement in connection with a Colorado DUI?

Posted on February 11, 2021

In Colorado, a first-time DUI requires 48 to 96 hours of community service, a first-time DWAI requires 24 to 48 hours, and a first-time UDD (underage drinking and driving) requires 24 hours. Any subsequent DUI, DWAI, or UDD conviction requires 48 to 120 hours of community service. Another term for community service is “useful public service” (UPS).

Is community service required for every Colorado DUI?

Community service is a required sentencing term for every non-felony offense for DUI, DWAI and UDD.

How much community service do I have to do?

It depends on the specific crime and whether the defendant has prior convictions:

Drunk driving / drugged driving offense	Community service requirement
DUI / DUI per se	First-time offense 48 – 96 hours of public service Second or subsequent offense 48 – 120 hours of public service
DWAI	First-time offense 24 – 48 hours of public service Second or subsequent offense 48 – 120 hours of public service
UDD	First-time offense 24 hours of public service Second or subsequent offense 48 – 120 hours of public service1

Where can I do community service?

It depends on which county the case is in. Contact the county criminal justice services for a list of accepted non-profit organizations that provide “useful public service” opportunities. CRS 42-4-1301.4 defines “useful public service” as:

[A]ny work that is beneficial to the public and involves a minimum of direct supervision or other public cost. “Useful public service” does not include any work that would endanger the health or safety of any person convicted of a violation of any of the offenses specified in section 42-4-1301.²

Typical service activities include collecting trash, mowing grass at public buildings and parks, and helping at soup kitchens and food pantries.

Do I have to pay anything?

Yes, people ordered to do community service are required to pay a maximum $120 fee to cover insurance and the operating costs of the community service program. This useful public service fee is in addition to any other fines, costs, and surcharges the court imposes following a DUI/DWAI/UDD conviction.³

How do I report my community service?

The non-profit organization keeps a time sheet that records all the hours the defendant puts in. When the required hours are finished, the defendant will get a copy to submit to the court.

Can I get an extension?

Possibly, but the court will have to approve it. Defendants should contact their attorney to ask the judge for an extension to complete the community service requirement.

What if I do not finish my hours on time?

It depends on the terms of the sentence. In many cases, failure to complete community service allows the judge to remand the defendant to jail. But if the defendant had a good excuse – such as being ill – the judge may grant an extension.

What if I am disabled?

Light duty assignments are available for defendants with mobility limitations or other handicaps. Examples include answering phones, data entry, and reception work.

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