Chapter 9 - § 9.1 • INTRODUCTION

• Jurisdiction: Colorado

§ 9.1 • INTRODUCTION

Critical to the effective handling of alcohol- or drug-related driving cases in Colorado is an intimate understanding of the driver's license implications of such cases. Colorado's trial courts have no direct jurisdiction over driver's licenses, yet the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division (commonly referred to as the DMV) is often required by law to take action against a person's driver's license based upon the outcome of the court case. In addition, there are driver's license sanctions that can be imposed by the DMV independently of any criminal case in court. Before driver's license consequences are imposed, the driver is always entitled to a hearing. These hearings are conducted by Department of Revenue hearing officers, who are not connected with the Motor Vehicle Division. The distinction between these hearing officers and the DMV...