Speeding and reckless driving offenses are relatively serious offenses that imply a deliberate disregard for the safety and property of others. Individuals who face these charges can potentially face stiff penalties, even for a first-time offense. The sooner you obtain skilled legal representation to fight against these charges, the better your chances are of success, so do not resign yourself to defeat and assume you are without options.

Penalties for Reckless Driving Charges in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, reckless driving is an 8-point traffic offense and, if you are a repeat offender, you might receive a strike on your record. Keep in mind that if you amass a total of 12 points within a span of 12 months or 18 points within a span of 2 years, you will receive a license suspension. If you receive 3 major traffic offenses within a span of 7 years, you can potentially lose your license for 5 years. As you can see, the consequences of this type of offense are not minor.

Below are some of the consequences you might face for reckless driving charges:

• First-time offense: Up to 90 days in jail and between $150 and $300 in fines.
• Second-time offense: Up to 6 months in jail and $50 to $1,000 in fines.

Moreover, Colorado also has a lesser offense known as careless driving. Careless driving is more akin to negligence, whereas reckless driving charges tend to imply that a driver intentionally operated the vehicle in a dangerous manner.

The penalties for careless driving are not unlike what you might receive for a reckless driving charge. However, a careless driving charge adds fewer points to your record. Compared to a reckless driving charge, which adds 8 points to your record, a careless driving charge only adds 4 points. If the careless driving incident involved injuries or death, a convicted motorist might receive up to a year of jail time and between $300 to $1,000 in fines.

Fighting These Charges

As is the case with most criminal charges, a prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you drove recklessly. Therefore, you should not assume that you cannot beat these charges. For example, if you were accused of speeding, keep in mind that the devices law enforcement officers use are not infallible. The one used in your case might not have been properly calibrated or maintained, which might lead to an inaccurate reading. With a defense attorney on your side, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and you stand a chance at defeating these charges.

Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Team Today!

At Fife Luneau, P.C., our criminal defense team has helped countless individuals protect their driving rights. If you received a speeding ticket or were charged with reckless or careless driving, our law firm has what it takes to build a strong case on your behalf, so you can receive the most favorable outcome possible.

Get started on protecting your rights today and contact our team at (720) 408-7130 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.