A driver in Akron, Yuma or Wray Colorado, who is driving without proper regard for the road or your surroundings, can face a Careless Driving charge. Misdemeanor traffic charges can still have lasting impacts on your life and future. A Careless Driving attorney will help you evaluate your charges and get the best outcome of your traffic case. Let the leading Eastern Colorado traffic attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office help you with a Careless Driving charge.
Legal Definition of Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402, in Washington County and Yuma County, Colorado
The Colorado legal definition of Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402, is:
A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving.
It is important to note that this four point traffic charge occurring in Washington and Yuma County, does not only apply to motor vehicles, but also a bicycle. Often, a person riding a bike does not expect to face traffic charges, but they can which is why it is important to have skilled legal counsel.
Is There a Difference Between a Careless Driving and Reckless Driving in Yuma, Akron, or Fort Morgan, Colorado?
The simple answer is yes, there is a difference between Careless and Reckless Driving charge in Yuma, Akron, Fort Morgan, and the rest of Colorado. While similar, the definitions of these two common traffic charges are quite different, with Reckless being the more serious traffic crime. A Reckless Driving charge occurs when the driver has a willful disregard for the safety of others and their property. A Reckless Driving charge has more severe penalties, whereas Careless Driving is more centered on a driver not having due regard or paying attention to what is going on near your car. We commonly see Careless Driving charged when a traffic accident occurs with an inattentive driver, and Reckless Driving charged when the driver is knowingly driving in a more predictively dangerous style.
Sentence and Penalties to Careless Driving in Yuma County or Washington County
In Yuma, Washington and other Eastern Colorado Counties, Careless Driving is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense if no one was injured. This offense has penalties of $150 to $300 in fines, 10 to 90 days in jail, and 4 points to your driver’s license. Careless Driving is a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if someone was hurt or died in the accident. The penalties of a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense are $300 to $1,000 in fines, 10 days to 1 year in the jail, along with 4 points if someone is injuired and 12 points if someone dies. Traffic crime convictions will add points to your license in Colorado, and if you accumulate 12 points or more on your license, , it will be suspended. To learn more about License Point Suspensions, get help here.
Common Criminal and Traffic Offenses to Careless Driving in Eastern Colorado
A person in Eastern Colorado cities like Yuma, Wray and Akron, can face Careless Driving charges and other similar charges that can be filed. Some of the common Criminal and Traffic charges are:
Reckless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1401
Speeding – C.R.S. 42-4-1101
DUI – C.R.S. 42-4-1301
Negligent Homicide – C.R.S. 18-3-105
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, C.R.S. 42-4-1301