Life in Colorado Springs often means navigating busy roads for work, school, or daily errands. Even the most careful drivers can face a traffic ticket for speeding, reckless driving, or other violations. A single mistake on the road can lead to costly fines, increased insurance rates, and even license suspension.
McDowell Law Firm understands the profound impact traffic violations can have on your life. As a top reckless driving law firm in Colorado Springs, we provide strategic legal defense to help you fight charges and protect your driving record. Our experienced reckless driving violation lawyers offer personalized legal guidance. Stay informed about your rights and options every step of the way.
A traffic violation doesn’t have to lead to financial hardship or legal complications. With McDowell Law Firm on your side, you have a dedicated legal team ready to fight for your rights, driving privileges, and peace of mind.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward confidently resolving your traffic case.
Reckless and careless driving puts everyone on the road at risk and can lead to severe legal consequences. In Colorado, law enforcement takes these violations seriously. They impose hefty fines, license suspensions, and even potential jail time.
At McDowell Law Firm, our skilled traffic defense lawyers help drivers navigate the complexities of driving offenses. We build strong legal defenses to protect their rights.
There can be serious legal consequences for reckless driving in Colorado, which can impact your finances, driving privileges, and even your freedom. It is crucial to address these charges with strong legal representation.
Here are the key penalties you may face for reckless driving in Colorado:
Careless driving in Colorado is a serious traffic offense that can lead to legal penalties, points on your license, and higher insurance rates. Under CRS 42-4-1402, law enforcement can charge you with careless driving. A careless driving ticket is a “catch-all” used for many traffic accidents and incidents. It is often charged when a person fails to consider road conditions, traffic flow, curves, weather, or the width of the road while operating a vehicle.
This violation covers a wide range of risky driving behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and operating an unsafe or overloaded vehicle. If careless driving results in an accident, especially one causing serious injury or death, you could face escalated charges with even harsher consequences.
Colorado law assigns four points to your driver’s license for a careless driving conviction, even if no crash occurs. Repeated offenses or accidents linked to reckless driving can increase fines, cause license suspension, and, in severe cases, result in criminal charges.
Beyond legal penalties, a careless driving conviction can have long-term effects. It can significantly raise your insurance premiums, making coverage more expensive or even leading to policy cancellations. Employers who require a clean driving record may see a careless driving charge as a red flag, potentially affecting job opportunities.
McDowell Law Firm’s traffic attorney in Colorado Springs is available to help. We provide strong legal defense strategies to challenge careless driving charges, reduce penalties, and protect your driving record.
Even if no one is injured, a careless driving charge in Colorado is still a serious legal matter. Law enforcement takes these offenses seriously, as they indicate negligence behind the wheel, potentially leading to accidents or injuries.
Under Colorado law (CRS 42-4-1402), careless driving without causing bodily harm or death is classified as a Class 2 traffic misdemeanor.
A conviction can result in:
A conviction affects your driving record and future employment opportunities, especially if your job requires a clean driving history. Multiple offenses can lead to license suspension, making commuting to work, school, or other essential activities difficult.
We understand that every case is unique, and we take a strategic approach to fight careless driving charges. Our experienced reckless driving attorneys thoroughly examine the details of your case, including police reports, road conditions, and potential mitigating factors, to build the strongest possible defense.
We work diligently to reduce charges, minimize penalties, and protect your driving privileges. Whether it’s negotiating a lesser offense, dismissing points, or ensuring a fair legal process, we are committed to safeguarding your rights.
Even if no one is injured, a careless driving charge in Colorado can have serious legal and financial consequences. Law enforcement considers careless driving a traffic misdemeanor, reflecting negligent or unsafe driving behavior that could lead to accidents.
Under Colorado law (CRS 42-4-1402), careless driving without causing bodily injury or death is classified as a Class 2 traffic misdemeanor:
Accumulating points on your license can lead to license suspension, making it difficult to commute to work, school, or other daily activities. Additionally, a careless driving conviction may negatively affect employment opportunities, especially if your job requires a clean driving record.
Keep in mind, a careless causing death offense will result in 12 points on your license, and an automatic license suspension.
We understand that every careless driving case is different. Our experienced traffic lawyer in Colorado Springs takes a strategic and detail-oriented approach to defend your case. We carefully review police reports, road conditions, and mitigating factors to build a strong defense to reduce charges or dismiss penalties.
Our Colorado Springs traffic attorney works to:
Colorado has strict laws regarding hit-and-run accidents, and leaving the scene of an accident can result in serious legal consequences. These cases are unfortunately common, and authorities aggressively prosecute offenders to ensure road safety. You must seek legal representation immediately if you are charged with a hit-and-run.
Under Colorado law (CRS 42-4-1601), failing to stop, remain at the scene, or report an accident can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. The specific charges and consequences depend on the severity of the accident.
Many drivers panic and flee, but failing to stop worsens the situation. At McDowell Law Firm, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate penalties, and defend your rights. We work to mitigate the impact on your record and help you avoid unnecessary penalties.
2. Hit and Run Causing Non-Serious Bodily Injury: If a hit-and-run accident results in non-serious injuries, the charges escalate to a Class 1 traffic misdemeanor. This offense includes:
Even minor injuries can lead to severe legal repercussions. Our experienced traffic defense attorneys at McDowell Law Firm analyze every detail of your case, from witness statements to police reports, to create a solid legal defense strategy.
3. Hit and Run Causing Serious Bodily Injury: A hit-and-run involving serious bodily harm is considered a Class 4 felony. There might be:
A felony conviction can affect your career, housing, and financial stability. At McDowell Law Firm, we provide aggressive legal representation to minimize your penalties and explore potential defense strategies that could reduce or dismiss charges.
4. Hit and Run Causing Death
The most severe hit-and-run offense is fleeing the scene of an accident that results in death. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by:
These cases are complex and emotionally charged. Our skilled traffic defense lawyers understand the high stakes and work diligently to examine evidence, challenge accusations, and provide a strong defense.
Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation in Colorado that can have severe legal consequences. If law enforcement believes you intentionally or unintentionally created an unsafe environment, you could face reckless driving charges.
Under Colorado law, reckless driving occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrically assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter with “wanton or willful disregard” for the safety of others or property. This offense involves more negligence than careless driving, making the penalties more severe.
Colorado CRS § 42-4-1401 states that reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. You may face:
Beyond legal penalties, a conviction can lead to increased insurance rates, license suspension, community service, probation, and court-mandated traffic school. A strong legal defense can make a significant difference in your case.
To improve your chances of a favorable outcome, you must:
If you have been charged with reckless driving in Colorado, you need an experienced legal team.
Our best lawyer for reckless driving provides strategic defense solutions to help you confidently navigate the legal process. Our skilled first-time reckless driving lawyers work tirelessly to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t let a reckless driving charge jeopardize your future. Contact McDowell Law Firm today for a consultation, and let us advocate for you every step of the way.
Driving Under Restraint (DUR) is a serious offense in Colorado. Under CRS 42-2-138, you can face charges if you knowingly drive while your license is suspended, revoked, or denied. Whether you are a Colorado resident or visiting from another state, a DUR conviction can have lasting consequences.
The severity of a DUR charge depends on factors such as prior offenses and the reason for your license revocation. DUR can range from a Class A traffic offense to a misdemeanor, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. Why you were suspended/revoked/denied/canceled, will make a BIG difference in how your case is handled in court. So, speak to an experienced defense lawyer about your situation and charges. A simple DUS (driving under suspension) is a class A traffic infraction that carries a $15-100 fine. Keep in mind, it can also resuspend you for an additional year.
Each case requires a tailored defense strategy, making legal representation essential. A strong defense can help reduce or dismiss your charges. Possible defenses include:
You need a skilled traffic attorney in Colorado Springs who will aggressively defend clients facing Driving Under Restraint charges. Josh McDowell, a leading traffic defense lawyer in Colorado Springs, has extensive experience fighting for drivers’ rights. Our team works diligently to protect your license, minimize penalties, and secure the best possible outcome.
If your driving privileges were revoked due to an alcohol- or drug-related conviction—such as DWAI, UDD, DUI per se, or DUI—facing additional charges makes the consequences even more severe.
In Colorado, this offense is known as DUR-Alc (Alcohol-Related Driving Under Restraint). Even if you were not impaired at the time of the charge, the prior DUI conviction or express consent revocation escalates the penalties.
A DUR-Alc conviction is a Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense (MT2), which carries:
A second DUR-Alc conviction within five years can lead to:
Sometimes, you may qualify for early reinstatement with an interlock device.
Facing a DUR-Alc charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to reduce penalties or avoid conviction.
Our legal firm has an adept reckless driving lawyer who provides aggressive and strategic defense for alcohol-related driving charges. Josh McDowell, a leading traffic defense attorney in Colorado Springs, has in-depth knowledge of DUI and DUR laws. Our team fights to protect your driving privileges and minimize legal consequences.
Colorado law requires every driver involved in an accident that results in injury, serious bodily injury, or death to stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible. The driver must remain at the scene until they fulfill all legal obligations under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1603(1). Every stop must be made without unnecessarily obstructing Traffic.
If a driver follows these legal duties and then leaves to report the accident as required under § 42-4-1603(2) and § 42-4-1606, they do not violate the law. However, failing to stop or comply with legal responsibilities leads to severe penalties.
Anyone convicted under this law will lose their driver’s license. The Colorado Department of Revenue revokes the license, and if another suspension applies under § 42-2-127.9, both penalties run concurrently.
Colorado law defines injury as any physical pain, illness, or impairment of physical or mental condition. Serious bodily injury includes conditions with a substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, long-term loss or impairment, broken bones, or second-and third-degree burns.
If you are involved in an accident, stopping and following the proper procedures protects you and others on the road.
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42. Vehicles and Traffic § 42-4-1606. Duty to report accidents
If the accident results in serious bodily injury, death, or property damage, the driver must notify the nearest police authority after fulfilling the legal obligations under § 42-4-1602 and § 42-4-1603(1). If law enforcement directs the driver to return to the scene, they must comply and stay until the investigation is complete.
Police officers must submit accident reports within five days of receiving information or completing their investigation. Reports must include insurance details from the drivers involved and indicate whether the vehicle’s inflatable restraint system (airbags) deployed.
Officers are not required to file a report if the property damage is under $1,000, and no one is injured or killed. However, if a participant requests a report or cannot provide proof of insurance, officers must complete an investigation.
The Colorado Department of Revenue may request supplemental reports from drivers and witnesses if an initial report is insufficient. Additionally, repair shops and garages must report vehicles showing bullet damage to law enforcement within 24 hours of receiving the car.
Failing to report an accident violates Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1606, a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. Drivers must take responsibility and comply with reporting laws to avoid legal consequences.
Accidents happen, but understanding your legal obligations can protect your rights and ensure compliance with Colorado law.
Understanding Colorado’s traffic laws can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you are involved in an accident or need legal guidance, taking action now can protect your rights and future.
A free consultation is your first step toward clarity and peace of mind. Speak with an experienced careless driving lawyer who can help you understand your responsibilities, potential consequences, and the best course of action.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call today and get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.
