In Weld County, there are many different traffic offenses. two types of offenses that can get confusing are Careless Driving and Reckless Driving. Both Careless and Reckless Driving are significant traffic charges which are important to understand. Below, both driving offenses will be discussed to help you understand and differentiate between the two.
What is the Definition of Careless Driving in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, Careless Driving is a traffic crime defined under CRS 42-4-1402:
- A person who drives a motor vehicle … 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.
- Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection (2), any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
- If the person’s actions are the proximate cause of bodily injury to another, such person commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.
- If the person’s actions are the proximate cause of death to another, such person commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.
Basically, if you are driving in any unsafe manner, you could be charged with Careless Driving.
What Are Examples of Careless Driving in Weld County?
In Weld County, examples of Careless Driving include:
- Driving beyond the speed limit; excessively over the speed
- Driving erratically or weaving,
- Driving without regard to weather conditions
In Greeley, Colorado What is the Sentence for Careless Driving?
In Greeley, Colorado, if convicted of Careless Driving, it is class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense if the driving did not result in injury or death. The possible sentence of a class 2 misdemeanor is between 10 and 90 days in jail, fines between $150 and $300, or a combination of these. If the Careless Driving results in bodily injury or death, then it will be considered a class 1 misdemeanor. The sentence for this is between 10 days and 12 months in the Weld County Jail, fines between $300 and $1,000, or a combination of these.
What is Reckless Driving in Weld County?
In Weld County, Reckless Driving is defined at C.R.S. 42-4-1401, as:
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.
It is also important to note, you can be charged with Careless Driving or Reckless Driving if you improperly use a bicycle or low power scooter – not just a motor vehicle.
What are Examples of Reckless Driving in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado examples of Reckless Driving include:
- Speeding excessively of over 25 miles over the posted speed limit
- Tailgating in a dangerous fashion
- Illegal passing or weaving through traffic
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals repeatedly and showing no concern for the safety of others
- Drag racing other cars
- Escaping from a police officer after a traffic stop (can also result in Eluding charges)
In Greeley, Colorado, What is the Sentence for Reckless Driving?
Reckless Driving in Weld County is a class 2 misdemeanor offense, however, if it is the second or subsequent offense the sentence is harsher. For the first offense, upon 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 a second or subsequent conviction, the penalties are 10-180 days in jail, $50-$1,000 in fines and 8 points on your license.
Careless Driving and Reckless Driving are serious traffic offenses that can impact your driving record and finances for a long time. Imagine if you could no longer drive a car. If you have been accused of Careless or Reckless Driving, especially if it has resulted in injury or death, you need to contact a traffic criminal defense attorney with experience in Colorado traffic offenses. O’Malley Law Office can help you make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one have been accused of Careless or Reckless Driving in Greeley or Weld County, be sure to exercise your right to remain silent, and call the best traffic offense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 to meet with an experienced criminal traffic defense lawyer in Weld County. Together, we can protect your future.
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