The fight against distracted driving is in full force in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. Signs are posted everywhere reminding people to put down their phones and focus on driving. Governor Hickenlooper just signed a bill into law that will severely increase the penalties surrounding a texting while driving ticket. Before, a first offense was a $50 fine and one point on your license. Now, you are looking at a $300 fine and four points on your license. That’s a steep increase! The only time a Fort Collins police officer or Larimer County sheriff deputy could pull you over for texting while driving is if the texting led you to drive in a ‘careless or imprudent manner.’ Meaning, if you are stopped at a light using your phone, you would be ok. Often, when we see texting tickets, we also see a charge for Careless Driving as the two can be closely related.
Larimer County Careless Driving Texting Lawyer: What is the Definition of Careless Driving?
The Colorado law definition of Careless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1402 – is:
This traffic misdemeanor can be charged for things like swerving into another lane, taking a corner too fast when it’s icy out, or keeping your eyes on your phone instead of the road and rear ending the car in front of you.
What is the Sentence for Careless Driving in Loveland or Winter Park, Colorado?
Careless Driving is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County, which is punishable by 10 – 90 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $300 in fines. However, if the Careless Driving resulted in bodily injury or death, then it is a class 1 traffic misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in the Boulder County Jail and $1,000 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been ticketed for Careless Driving, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best traffic defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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