Careless driving is a four point traffic offense. A person is alleged to have committed careless driving when they drive in a “careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for all attendant circumstances”.
Of course, this language is vague, and because of that, all kinds of driving behavior may be viewed as “careless driving” by law enforcement.
This offense is typically a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, however, it becomes a more serious class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if the driverʼs actions were the proximate cause of bodily injury or death to another person.
If the injury is considered to be serious bodily injury, the minimum mandatory fine is 500, whereas if the driver is the proximate cause of death to another person, the minimum mandatory fine is 1000.
If a driver is convicted of careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death, his license will immediately be revoked. If the driving results only in serious bodily injury, the revocation will be for at least six months, whereas if the driving results in death, the revocation will be for at least a year.
In cases involving serious injury or death, a jail sentence may be on the table. Of course, there are a number of things an experienced criminal defense attorney can do to minimize the possibility of your serving jail time in a case of this nature.
You can even be charged with careless driving if you are driving a bicycle or motorized bicycle, such as a scooter.
Careless driving also constitutes a habitual traffic offender strike.
If you have been charged with careless driving, you may want to consult with a Colorado defense lawyer to assess your next steps. However, if you have been charged with careless driving involving injury or even serious bodily injury or death, retaining an attorney will be advisable.
In Colorado, the law permits self-defense, but only under specific conditions. What begins as a self-protection claim can easily spiral into a criminal charge if the facts are misread or misrepresented. That’s why understanding how self-defense is treated under Colorado law can be the key to protecting your freedom.
At the Law Office of Kimberly Diego, we’ve represented clients in cases where force was used for one reason only: survival.
If you or a loved one is facing a challenging situation regarding the Colorado Red Flag Law, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. The Colorado Red Flag Law allows for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. This delicate legal matter requires a strong and experienced defense.
When carrying the weight of a criminal record, it doesn’t just sit in the background. It shows up in places that matter – job applications, apartment hunting, and even volunteer opportunities. If you’ve served your sentence, completed probation, or had your case dismissed, it’s fair to wonder whether Colorado allows you to clear the slate. The answer is yes, but not always – and not without strategy.
