Reckless Driving in Douglas County | Criminal Defense Attorney

Reckless driving is a traffic crime in Douglas County, Colorado that involves driving in a way that disregards the safety of others. It’s a broad traffic offense, to say the least. Many actions from speeding in a residential area to finishing morning tasks behind the wheel can result in significant penalties. With several points against your license, potential jail time, and substantial fines possible, hiring a strategic defense attorney to fight reckless driving charges is especially crucial.

Key Factors in Colorado’s Reckless Driving Law

CRS 42-4-1401 defines the conduct of reckless driving throughout Colorado. A person drives recklessly in Castle Rock, Parker, or Lone Tree when they:

operate a vehicle, bike, e-bike, or low-power scooter,
in a way that demonstrates disregard for the safety of other people or property

Law enforcement in Douglas County attempts to show that drivers knew what they were doing and chose to act in a way that endangers the safety of others. The purposeful danger to other people or property is what sets reckless driving apart from careless driving. Taking your eyes off the road on I-25 to peruse your smartphone or respond to a text could be considered reckless driving in Colorado.

Is Reckless Driving a Misdemeanor in Douglas County?

Driving recklessly in Highlands Ranch, Parker, or Castle Rock is a class 2 misdemeanor. As a first-time offense, penalties for conviction can include:

10 – 90 days in county jail,
fines of up to $300
8 points to your driver’s license

However, when someone has prior convictions of reckless driving on their record, consequences may increase. In these scenarios, punishments can involve:

up to 6 months in county jail,
fines of $1,000
8 points to your driver’s license

Driving recklessly can potentially result in loss of your driver’s license altogether as Colorado driver’s can only get 12 points in a year and 18 points over 2 years.

Traffic Crime Lawyer in Douglas County

In order to protect your driver’s license, criminal record, and freedom to drive, contact a skilled defense attorney when facing reckless driving accusations. We have over a decade combined experience fighting for drivers throughout Colorado courtrooms. Perhaps you weren’t operating the vehicle, someone else was driving, or the behavior was careless. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will thoroughly analyze your traffic charge, as well as recommend next steps.