If you are facing a DUI in Colorado Springs, and you have prior alcohol or drug driving offenses, the El Paso County DUI Court may be an option to help you get sober, reduce repeat behavior, and resolve your case under intensive supervision. This guide explains who is eligible, how the four phases work, and how completing the program can affect your case, so you can discuss the right next step with your attorney. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

What is the DUI Court Program

El Paso County’s DUI Court is a specialized, post‑conviction program for high‑risk, high‑need repeat DUI offenders. The 4th Judicial District created the program to increase public safety, promote accountability, and support long‑term recovery through a team approach that includes the judge, probation, treatment providers, and support meetings. The court has operated locally since 2008 and continues to run in both El Paso and Teller Counties. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

Who is Eligible for El Paso County DUI Court

DUI Court focuses on people whose impaired driving is tied to a substance use disorder and who are appropriate for intensive treatment and supervision. Eligibility is screened by probation and treatment after a referral from a judge or attorney. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

• A new felony DUI charge, or a felony DUI probation revocation based on technical violations only
• Resident of the 4th Judicial District, and able to attend all program components locally
• No aggravators such as vehicular assault, homicide, or serious accident, and no disqualifying violent or sex‑offense history
• Probation eligible under Colorado law
• A demonstrated substance use problem appropriate for treatment

Colorado makes a DUI a class 4 felony if the current offense occurs after three or more prior convictions for DUI, DUI per se, or DWAI, which is why many candidates are facing a felony DUI. [source: C.R.S. 42‑4‑1301]

How the Program Works, Phases and Timeline

The DUI Court requires a minimum two‑year probation sentence. The supervised program itself has four phases that cannot be completed in less than 18 months. Expect regular court appearances, random alcohol and drug testing, substance use treatment, AA or NA or approved recovery support, probation meetings, community service, and payment plans. Supervision gradually eases as you show consistent sobriety and progress. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court; 4th Judicial District Attorney DUI Court page]

• Phase 1, orientation and stabilization, frequent court check‑ins, random testing, assessment‑driven treatment, and tight supervision
• Phase 2, continued sobriety and treatment engagement, court appearances and testing continue, work or education goals are encouraged
• Phase 3, increased personal responsibility, ongoing counseling and compliance, growing independence as progress is sustained
• Phase 4, preparing for graduation, at least 90 days with no sobriety‑monitoring violation, all financial obligations satisfied, life plan presented to the court

After graduating Phase 4, any remaining time on your sentence is typically served on unsupervised probation. Participants are expected to maintain recovery supports and the skills that helped them succeed in the program. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

How DUI Court Participation Can Affect Your Case

People choose DUI Court because it provides a structured alternative to traditional sentencing for repeat DUI, with intensive treatment and accountability in place of long periods of incarceration. Successful graduates often avoid prison, complete probation under close supervision, and show the court meaningful rehabilitation, which can positively influence case outcomes. Local officials report strong graduation rates and low recidivism among participants, which benefits both public safety and the individual. [source: 4th Judicial District Attorney DUI Court page]

Risks and Responsibilities if You Are Not Compliant

DUI Court is voluntary, but once you are accepted, full compliance is mandatory. Missing court, testing positive, skipping treatment, or new offenses can lead to graduated sanctions, including increased court appearances, additional treatment, short jail sanctions, or removal from the program. If you are terminated, your case returns to the regular criminal court process and you face sentencing on the underlying case. [sources: All Rise Best Practice Standards and Colorado county DUI Court handbooks]

How to Get Referred to El Paso County DUI Court

Referrals typically come from judges or attorneys when your case appears appropriate for DUI Court. If you think you may qualify, talk to your lawyer right away, ask about a screening, and be prepared to show you can commit to treatment and close supervision. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

Quick Answers to Common Questions About El Paso County DUI Court

Q: How long does the El Paso County DUI Court take

A: The supervised program has four phases that take no less than 18 months, and you will be on probation for at least two years. The exact timeline depends on your progress and compliance. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

Q: Can first‑time DUI offenders join

A: Typically no, this court is designed for high‑risk, high‑need repeat offenders who are facing a new felony DUI or a felony DUI probation revocation based on technical violations. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]

Q: What are the core requirements during the program

A: Regular court appearances, random alcohol and drug testing, treatment and counseling, AA or NA or similar recovery support, probation meetings, and community service or other conditions set by the team. [sources: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court; 4th Judicial District Attorney DUI Court page]

Q: What happens if I miss tests or court

Expect graduated sanctions that can include increased supervision, added treatment, brief jail sanctions, or termination, which sends your case back to traditional court for sentencing. [sources: All Rise Best Practice Standards; Colorado county DUI Court handbooks]

Q: How do I get started

A: Speak with your attorney about a referral and screening, and be honest about your substance use so probation and treatment can evaluate your eligibility. [source: Colorado Judicial Branch, El Paso County DUI Court]