Protecting Your Record
Colorado traffic laws are nuanced, and it can feel overwhelming when facing charges stemming from reckless driving. Our experienced traffic lawyers will help provide you with a robust and precise defense to protect your driving record and keep it clear of criminal charges. At Liberty Law Center, we understand the anxiety and stress of traffic violations and the threat of the loss of license can cause. Our skilled and compassionate legal team is here to provide the assistance you need to defend your driving record and ease your mind. Call Liberty Law Center at 719 578-1183 for a free consultation.
What is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving seems self-explanatory, but for the sake of argument, let’s break it down into its simplest parts. The Colorado Department of Transportation defines it as: “Driving a motor vehicle, bike or scooter in a wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Most Common Types of Reckless Driving
- Excessive Speed
- Illegal Passing
- Failure to adhere to signs and lights
- Driving the wrong way on one-way streets
- Tailgating
- Driving in areas not intended for vehicles (like sidewalks or on grass)
As a rule, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor in Colorado unless it results in an accident that causes personal injury or death, in which case the prosecution may pursue felony charges.
How Many Points Are Associated with a Reckless Driving Ticket?
There is no set answer to this question since every case is different. As a general rule of thumb, the points against your license depend on the details of the charges issued. For example:
- Careless driving = 4 points
- Reckless driving = 8 points
- No proof of insurance = 4 points
- Speeding- Depends on how far over the speed limit you were going.
The general rule in Colorado is that your license will be suspended if you are over 21, and you receive 12 points against your license within 12 months or 18 points over 24 months.
What are the Consequences of Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a traffic offense that has consequences of varying degrees. What happens depends upon the severity and type of your actions. First-time offenders who didn’t hurt anyone physically will likely just get away with a relatively small fine. However, if you have engaged in the behavior before, the fines become substantially higher, and you could face as many as three months in jail. If you find yourself in this situation, you must secure legal representation quickly to protect your rights. Our reckless driving lawyers are on your side.
How Long Does a Reckless Driving Conviction Stay on My Record?
Like death and taxes, a reckless driving conviction stays on your driving record forever. You cannot expunge or seal a reckless driving conviction from your record, so it becomes even more crucial to use every method to defend yourself against conviction. The reckless driving lawyers at Liberty Law Center will work tirelessly to provide you with the robust defense you deserve.
What Strategies Will My Lawyer Use to Defend Me?
Every case is different, so the strategies our legal team uses to defend you from reckless driving charges are tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. Our experienced reckless driving lawyers will carefully review the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. At Liberty Law Center, we work diligently to build a strong defense that mitigates the potential consequences you may face.
In defending you from reckless driving charges, we strive to uphold your rights and ensure that the prosecution meets its burden of proof. We aim to provide you with solid legal representation that achieves the best possible outcome for your case. We understand the potential impact these charges have on your life and will do everything we can to help you navigate the complex Colorado legal system.
What is the Difference Between Reckless Driving and Careless Driving?
Colorado’s traffic laws need to be clarified. Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor and is a grave charge. It uses words like “willful” and “wanton” in its definition to suggest that the individual understood that their behavior was risky and could cause harm. Still, they chose to throw caution to the wind and engage in the behavior anyway. It makes the behavior more difficult to defend. It becomes essential to prove that the action was necessary for some reason that made the knowledge of those risks unavoidable.
Careless driving is a lesser charge that carries less harsh punishment. The difference is that reckless driving has more to do with negligence, such as not paying close enough attention to road conditions while driving.
When Should I Call A Reckless Driving Lawyer?
You don’t have to go through it alone if you have been arrested for reckless driving and face charges. Seeking the assistance of a reckless driving lawyer can provide you with the expertise and support needed to navigate the legal process with ease. A reckless driving lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense, and work toward mitigating the potential consequences. Our team will work closely with you to put your mind at ease during this stressful period.
If you believe you have been wrongfully charged with reckless driving, or if there were mitigating circumstances around the incident, it is essential to consult a reckless driving lawyer. At Liberty Law Center, we can help. Our dedicated professionals will work to build a strong defense on your behalf. Call 719-578-1158 for a free consultation.