Careless Driving Attorney in Douglas County, Colorado

Careless driving is a traffic offense that may seem minor, but has the potential to become rather serious quickly. This crime can result from people operating a motor vehicle with disregard for the road and traffic. When injury occurs to another as a result of careless driving, the driver can end up losing their driver’s license. Closely related to but slightly less severe than Reckless Driving, this charge requires skilled representation from an experienced careless driving attorney.

Is Careless Driving a Misdemeanor in Colorado?

Typically, careless driving is a 4 point traffic violation and a class 2 misdemeanor in Douglas County, CO. The circumstances found in C.R.S. 42-4-1402 apply to conduct that includes:

operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter,
in a careless and imprudent manner,
without due regard for width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of streets, highways, and all other attendant circumstances

Some common actions that can result in a careless driving charge include taking turns too sharply, cutting in front of other drivers, or speeding. However, careless driving is often a catch-all for law enforcement to potentially increase ramifications for not strictly obeying traffic laws throughout Colorado.

What are the Penalties for Careless Driving in Douglas County, CO?

If a careless driving charge doesn’t include any injury, class 2 traffic misdemeanor consequences apply. Conviction can mean 10 – 90 days in county jail, as well as fines of $150 – $300. If it can be proven that careless driving was the proximate cause of another’s injury or death, a class 1 traffic misdemeanor can result. This increases the potential incarceration maximum to 12 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, loss of a driver’s license and also restitution to the alleged victim can result.

Douglas County Traffic Crimes Attorney

There are many consequences to a careless driving conviction that can be lessened or even avoided with representation from a reputable defense lawyer. The restitution in these cases alone can become particularly expensive when an alleged victim is claiming significant drawbacks due to your driving. Perhaps you were distracted, but not careless. Or maybe the injuries the alleged victim claims to be experiencing weren’t caused by your driving. Nonetheless, consulting a highly rated defense attorney can prove to be especially valuable in careless driving situations. Contact our office for a free consultation where we will take the time to carefully analyze your unique situation and outline next steps, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome.