In Weld County, you can be charged with Reckless Driving and need a lawyer if you drive a car, bike, or scooter with “willful” disregard for a person’s safety. A case of road rage took a turn in front of the Englewood Colorado Police Department recently, when a woman rammed her car into a man’s truck and then drove into him after he exited the vehicle. The man and woman drivers apparently had encountered each other and had a road rage incident with each other a mile before ending up in front of the police station. In Weld County, if you are accused of a Reckless Driving traffic offense, it is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer with you when you stand before a judge.
What is the Definition of Reckless Driving in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, Reckless Driving is defined at C.R.S. 42-4-1401 – Reckless Driving as:
You can be charged with Reckless Driving if you improperly use a bicycle or low power scooter – not just a motor vehicle.
In Weld County, What are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?
Reckless Driving in Weld County is a class 2 misdemeanor offense, however, if it is the second or subsequent offense the penalties are harsher. If it is the first offense; for a Reckless Driving conviction, the penalties are 10- 90 days in the Weld County Jail, $150-$300 in fines and 8 points on your license. If the Reckless Driving is your second or subsequent conviction, the penalties are 10-180 days in jail, $50-$1,000 in fines and 8 points on your license.
What is the Difference Between Careless Driving and Reckless Driving Traffic Offenses in Greeley, Colorado?
Many people use Careless and Reckless Driving interchangeably; however, they are two different criminal traffic offense charges. Careless Driving is a “lesser included offense” of Reckless Driving. Simply put, it means that Careless Driving is driving without regard and Reckless Driving is when the driver’s operation of the vehicle is obviously dangerous. While the difference between the two are not always clear the dividing line is a matter of “knowing” that the operation of the vehicle is dangerous and could harm someone.
The woman in the above story, obviously knew that the driving into and over the man was dangerous and would cause harm, so therefore the Reckless Driving charge would hold. Furthermore if she was weaving in and out of traffic and driving at high speeds that would also fit the Reckless Driving charge.
In Weld County Here are Examples of Reckless Driving:
Common examples of Reckless Driving in Weld County are:
- Aggressive driving at excessive speeds with another driver.
- Texting and driving
- Racing other cars
- Tailgating
- Failure to obey traffic signs
The charge of Reckless Driving is serious and if you are accused of it you will need to contact an experienced traffic offense attorney who can help you get the best possible outcome and fight for your rights.
If police in Greeley pull you over and charge you with Reckless Driving, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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