Charged with a DUI in Colorado? You Don't Have to Face It Alone.
Colorado DUI Defense That’s Personal, Relentless, Human
Getting charged with a DUI can be one of the most disorienting moments of a person’s life. Everything feels urgent, yet the legal system moves slowly — and the anxiety only grows.
At Elster Law Office, attorney Claire Elster helps clients make sense of the chaos. She guides them through every step of the process with clarity, compassion, and fierce advocacy. From day one, her goal is to protect not only her clients’ driving privileges, but also their dignity, livelihood, and future.
AFFORDABLE ADVOCACY
Hiring a defense attorney shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy — and Claire Elster knows that all too well. She serves clients who are often left behind by the system: people who earn too much to qualify for a public defender but can’t afford the steep retainers charged by large law firms.
Claire offers transparent, reasonable rates and flexible payment plans, ensuring that everyday people can access strong, committed legal representation without putting themselves into financial ruin.
“Nobody else I know is serving that in-between space. I offer zealous and affordable representation — and I mean that.”
Clients never pay for unnecessary extras or inflated legal fees. Every dollar goes toward real strategy, direct communication, and hands-on representation — handled solely by Claire, not an assistant or junior attorney.
Understanding DUI Charges in Colorado
It’s more than a ticket — and it’s more serious than most people realize.
Many people assume a DUI is just a slap on the wrist. In Colorado, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The state imposes some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, with mandatory jail time for repeat offenses and long-term consequences that can follow someone for life.
“People either assume it’s no big deal or that it’s automatically a felony — most don’t know where they fall on the spectrum.”
Key facts:
First DUI: unclassified misdemeanor with license and probation consequences
Second DUI: minimum 10 days in jail
Third DUI: minimum 60 days in jail
Fourth DUI: felony charge with potential prison time
DUIs can also result from prescription drugs or THC, not just alcohol
What Makes Elster Law Different
A niche service for real people — not just big spenders or public defender clients.
Claire offers personalized, affordable DUI defense for people caught in the middle — those who make too much to qualify for a public defender but can’t afford a $5,000+ retainer.
She handles every aspect of every case herself — no paralegals, no associates, no hand-offs.
“I’m a control freak in the best way. I don’t let anyone else touch my cases, because I want it done right — and that means doing it myself.”
She’s also deeply empathetic, understanding that many clients are not just facing a charge — they’re battling anxiety, shame, or substance use.
“I had a woman tell me this morning she had no hope. I told her, ‘Let’s take this one day at a time. You’re not alone.’”
What Happens Right After a DUI Arrest
The first 48 hours can make or break your case.
For clients who take a breath test or refuse testing, the clock starts immediately — they have only 7 days to request a DMV hearing to try to save their license. If a blood test was taken, the timeline stretches out longer, but understanding what to do and when to act is still critical.
Claire works with clients right away to assess which track their case is on and ensure no deadlines are missed — especially when a hearing request could mean the difference between keeping or losing a driver’s license.
“It’s a hurry-up-and-wait situation. There’s panic up front, then long stretches of silence. I help people survive both.”
Building a Defense
She doesn't ask whether you did it — she asks how to help you through it.
“Most of my clients are guilty. That doesn’t matter to me. My job is to defend them with everything I’ve got.”
Claire's approach focuses on:
Analyzing police reports and procedures for technical or procedural errors
Identifying Fourth Amendment violations (unlawful search/seizure)
Challenging chemical test accuracy and reliability
Using DMV hearings as an early chance to test the case
Pursuing reduced charges or alternative resolutions when possible
Protecting Driving Privileges at the DMV Hearing
Claire’s first move in most DUI cases is to request a full DMV hearing and demand the officer’s presence for cross-examination. These administrative hearings are tough — the burden of proof is low, and the DMV is quick to revoke driving privileges.
That’s why she uses what she calls the “kitchen sink defense” — throwing every available legal argument at the board to give her client the best chance possible.
Long-Term Consequences of a DUI
Even a single conviction can affect:
Employment (especially jobs requiring security clearance)
Insurance rates and financial stability
Freedom to travel, especially internationally
Mental health and self-image
“DUI convictions stay with you forever in Colorado — they can’t be sealed or expunged. That’s why it’s so important to fight for the best possible outcome from the start.”
Facing a DUI? You Deserve an Attorney Who Fights Like It’s Personal — Because It Is.
Claire Elster helps everyday people navigate extraordinary circumstances with clarity, compassion, and control. If you’re scared, uncertain, or overwhelmed — you’re exactly who she fights for.
Call now or request a free consultation. Let’s take it one day at a time.