Tourists may find heightened DUI enforcement during big MLB game

If you are planning a trip to the Mile High City for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game on July 13, you are in for a real treat. After all, not only is Coors Field one of the more beautiful ballparks in the country, but Denver is full of craft breweries, sports bars, distilleries and other places to imbibe.

In Denver and surrounding areas, most enforcement of Colorado’s driving under the influence and driving while ability impaired laws happens on the weekends. Even though the MLB All-Star Game is on a Tuesday, out-of-town visitors are likely to encounter enhanced DUI enforcement during and after the game.

Enforcement may last all week

When major holidays fall on weekdays, officers from the Denver Police Department and Colorado State Patrol often increase DUI and DWAI enforcement for the entire week. Consequently, you may see more patrol cars and even sobriety checkpoints on both weekdays and weekends immediately before and after the All-Star Game.

You have rights

Even if you are a resident of another state, Colorado law applies when you are in Denver. In the Mile High City, you may face DWAI charges for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.05%. A BAC over 0.08% may trigger DUI charges.

Still, you have fundamental rights during any DWAI- or DUI-related stop or checkpoint, including the following:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to have an attorney for a custodial interrogation
• The right to refuse field sobriety tests

Few things can ruin your fun trip to Denver and to the MLB All-Star Game faster than a DUI or DWAI arrest. Even though interacting with officers outside your home state may be awkward, your actions during a DUI or DWAI stop may make a difference.