Careless driving is a traffic offense in Denver often involving accusations that you operated a vehicle without adequate attention for the road or surroundings. Not only does this crime apply to driving a car, truck, or van carelessly, but also a bike or scooter. Ramifications can include county jail time, fines, and even points against your driving record if you were behind the wheel of a vehicle. Furthermore, if your careless driving caused someone’s injury, penalties can increase. If you’re being accused of careless driving in Denver, LoDo, or Cherry Creek, now is the time to contact a skilled traffic attorney.
Denver Careless Driving Law
Denver’s careless driving law makes thoughtless or ill-judged driving unlawful. CRS 42-4-1402 is the code that defines the specifics of careless driving throughout the state of Colorado. You commit this traffic crime in Denver, Arvada, or Lakewood if you:
- drive a vehicle, bike, or low-power scooter,
- in a careless and imprudent manner,
- while disregarding the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of streets / highways
Speeding in bad weather or multitasking while driving are common examples of driving carelessly. With car tech and wireless devices in constant use, it can be easy for drivers to become distracted and meet the above criteria unintentionally.
Can You Go to Jail for Careless Driving in Colorado?
Each careless driving case is different. Penalties won’t always look the same. As a class 2 traffic misdemeanor, a conviction can lead to:
- a county jail sentence of 10 – 90 days,
- up to $300 in fines,
- 4 DMV points
However, the charge becomes a class 1 misdemeanor if someone is injured or dies. Defendants in these scenarios face up to 12 months in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. It isn’t uncommon for a restitution amount to apply as well when injury occurs.
Denver Traffic Crimes Attorney
Whether you’re facing careless driving allegations after driving in bad weather, on the way home from the mountains, or running errands, strategic representation is a must. Our experienced traffic attorneys have decades of combined experience helping clients successfully fight traffic charges. We aim for the best possible outcome for each of our clients.
Perhaps your driving wasn’t careless or the driving itself didn’t cause the injuries. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully evaluate your traffic charges, as well as recommend next steps in your defense. With affordable fees and flexible payment plans, hiring a strategic defense attorney is a reality for the accused.
Don’t talk to law enforcement about careless driving – talk to us. 303-731-0719
Photo by Devin Justesen