Traffic Questions
What are the types of traffic cases?
In general, there are two types of traffic cases: Infractions and Offenses.
Traffic infractions are cases where the penalty issued by the court is monetary- a fine. Some common types of traffic infractions are: running a stop light, failure to yield the right of way, and speeding 24 mph or less over the posted speed zone.
Traffic offenses, on the other hand, are traffic cases where the court can issue a fine or jail time, or both if the court determines such a penalty is necessary. Jail time is determined by the severity of the charge. A Class 2 offense can range from 10 - 90 days in jail, where a Class 1 offense can range from 10 - 365 days in jail. Keep in mind that other factors may also play into the jail range and can certainly extend these ranges as well. Some common types of traffic offenses are: careless driving, reckless driving, speeding 25 or more above the posted speed zone, and DUI.
What are "points" and how many do I have in Colorado?
Every traffic charge carries a certain number of points that report to your driving record. These points can cause your license to be suspended and you to lose your driving privilege in Colorado.
Colorado is a "point-accumulation" state, meaning that it is the excessive accumulation of points that will cause trouble with your license. And, depending on your age, there is a different number of points available to you.
Ages 16 – 18
- Accumulate 6 or more points in 12-month period
- Accumulate 7 or more points prior to turning 18
Ages 18 – 21
- Accumulate 9 or more points in a 12-month period
- Accumulate 12 or more points in a 24-month period
- Accumulate 14 or more points prior to turning 21
Age 21 and over
- Accumulate 12 or more points in a 12-month period
- Accumulate 18 or more points in a 24-month period
Should I fight my ticket?
It is never a bad idea to have an attorney look over your ticket to see if there are any issues with it. Going to court is not just about fighting the ticket. It is also working to see what can be done to try and minimize the effect of your ticket. For some cases, the prosecutor may be willing to reduce the points on your ticket if you have a good driving record or if you are willing to take a driving class.
For people who have a CDL, it is also important to understand how the Federal masking rules may affect your case as well. In some cases, the prosecutors may not be willing to offer any plea deals because doing so may violate the Federal rules in place for commercial drivers.
After discussing the case with the prosecutor, the attorney can certainly talk to you about your options so that you can decide if going forward to a trial or final hearing is a good choice for your case.
In general, there are two types of traffic cases: Infractions and Offenses.
Traffic infractions are cases where the penalty issued by the court is monetary- a fine. Some common types of traffic infractions are: running a stop light, failure to yield the right of way, and speeding 24 mph or less over the posted speed zone.
Traffic offenses, on the other hand, are traffic cases where the court can issue a fine or jail time, or both if the court determines such a penalty is necessary. Jail time is determined by the severity of the charge. A Class 2 offense can range from 10 - 90 days in jail, where a Class 1 offense can range from 10 - 365 days in jail. Keep in mind that other factors may also play into the jail range and can certainly extend these ranges as well. Some common types of traffic offenses are: careless driving, reckless driving, speeding 25 or more above the posted speed zone, and DUI.
What are "points" and how many do I have in Colorado?
Every traffic charge carries a certain number of points that report to your driving record. These points can cause your license to be suspended and you to lose your driving privilege in Colorado.
Colorado is a "point-accumulation" state, meaning that it is the excessive accumulation of points that will cause trouble with your license. And, depending on your age, there is a different number of points available to you.
Ages 16 – 18
- Accumulate 6 or more points in 12-month period
- Accumulate 7 or more points prior to turning 18
Ages 18 – 21
- Accumulate 9 or more points in a 12-month period
- Accumulate 12 or more points in a 24-month period
- Accumulate 14 or more points prior to turning 21
Age 21 and over
- Accumulate 12 or more points in a 12-month period
- Accumulate 18 or more points in a 24-month period
Should I fight my ticket?
It is never a bad idea to have an attorney look over your ticket to see if there are any issues with it. Going to court is not just about fighting the ticket. It is also working to see what can be done to try and minimize the effect of your ticket. For some cases, the prosecutor may be willing to reduce the points on your ticket if you have a good driving record or if you are willing to take a driving class.
For people who have a CDL, it is also important to understand how the Federal masking rules may affect your case as well. In some cases, the prosecutors may not be willing to offer any plea deals because doing so may violate the Federal rules in place for commercial drivers.
After discussing the case with the prosecutor, the attorney can certainly talk to you about your options so that you can decide if going forward to a trial or final hearing is a good choice for your case.
Material presented on the Pearson Law Office, LLC website is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be construed as such.
Pearson Law Office, LLC., 5720 W. 120th Ave., Suite 3, Broomfield, CO 80020
phone: 720-514-9529 fax: 720-523-0725 email: [email protected]
Pearson Law Office, LLC., 5720 W. 120th Ave., Suite 3, Broomfield, CO 80020
phone: 720-514-9529 fax: 720-523-0725 email: [email protected]