Reckless driving is a traffic offense in Adams County, Colorado that involves operating a vehicle in a way that disregards the safety of others. A bit more severe than careless driving, reckless driving goes beyond not demonstrating proper awareness as to your surroundings. Reckless driving can also apply to operating a bike or scooter in a potentially harmful manner. There are defenses to reckless driving, heightening the need to consult a reckless driving defense lawyer if facing accusations in Colorado.
Things to Know About Reckless Driving in Colorado
Reckless Driving C.R.S. 42-4-1401 defines specific elements of this traffic offense in the state of Colorado. Someone commits reckless driving in Thornton, Brighton, or Commerce City if they:
- drive a car, truck, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter,
- in a manner that disregards the safety of others or property
Common examples of reckless driving include taking your eyes off the road to apply makeup, intentionally running stop signs, or watching videos on a passenger’s tablet while driving. While disregarding the safety of others while driving may not be intentional, being aware that your behavior poses a risk can lead to criminal penalties.
Can I Go to Jail for Reckless Driving in Adams County?
The penalties for reckless driving conviction in Adams County depend on whether you have prior convictions. As a class 2 misdemeanor, reckless driving can result in:
- 10 – 90 days in county jail,
- fines of up to $300
Punishment amplifies if you have a prior conviction of reckless driving. Possible ramifications in these scenarios include:
- up to 6 months in county jail,
- fines of up to $1,000
Reckless driving in a car, truck, or van can also result in 8 points on your DMV record. This doesn’t apply, however, when operating a bike or electrical assisted bike. In both scenarios, a defendant may be required to pay restitution as well to any person that was injured or for property that was damaged.
Adams County Reckless Driving Defense
Defenses to reckless driving in Thornton, Commerce City, and Brighton depend on the specific facts of the case itself. Selecting an experienced criminal defense attorney capable of applying appropriate defenses to reckless driving is critical in your case. Perhaps you own the car but weren’t driving it or your driving was careless instead of reckless. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique reckless driving case and recommend next steps to the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you know is facing reckless driving charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Jan Baborak