If you have been charged with Reckless Driving in Greeley or Weld County, you will need a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Courts. As a class 2 traffic misdemeanor, Reckless Driving can often result in time at the Weld County Jail and a fine of up to $300 for the first offense. It is often confused with Careless Driving, another traffic misdemeanor charged for lack of due care while driving. However, Reckless Driving and Careless Driving are two separate and distinct charges in Colorado. Need a Reckless Driving lawyer charges in Fort Collins or Larimer County, get help here.
Legal Definition of Reckless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1401, in Colorado
In Colorado, the legal definition of Reckless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1401, is:
A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. A person convicted of reckless driving of a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall not be subject to the provisions of section 42-2-127.
What is the Difference Between Reckless Driving and Careless Driving in Weld County?
Reckless Driving and Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402, are often mistaken for the same charge in Weld County; however, they are two distinct traffic offenses. The major difference between the two charges is that Reckless Driving is charged when a driver exhibits willful disregard for the safety of other persons or property. An example of Reckless Driving would be driving well above the speed limit in a neighborhood where children are playing outside, or driving on the sidewalk to get around traffic and nearly hitting a mailbox. In these cases, the driver is showing a disregard for the safety of others or property.
Careless Driving is instead charged when a driver demonstrates lack of due regard for any attendant circumstances of the roads while driving. Examples of Careless Driving include taking your eyes off the road to change the radio station or eating while driving. The driver in these scenarios is distracted and not being attentive, but they are also not willfully disregarding the safety of other people or property.
Weld County Jail Time and Other Penalties for Reckless Driving in Greeley or Johnstown, Colorado
Reckless Driving is charged as a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Greeley and Johnstown. Penalties for a defendant’s first conviction include up to 90 days in the Weld County Jail, a fine of up to $300, and 8 points on your driver’s license. If you are convicted of Reckless Driving for the second or subsequent time, these penalties increase to up to 6 months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines.
What a Top Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do for You
Retaining a top Weld County criminal defense attorney to represent you in your Reckless Driving case is essential. With the best lawyer representing you, your charges can be reduced or even dropped, depending on your case. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office understand the ins and outs of the Weld County Court system and will aggressively fight for nothing less than a favorable plea bargain or total dismissal. We know that Weld County Jail time, fines, and other penalties can cost you your job, especially if your work involves driving for a living. Contact a top criminal defense attorney today so that you can be represented well at the Weld County Courts and keep your future intact.