At the Larimer County Courts in Fort Collins, violation of one of Colorado’s traffic laws will generally result in a traffic infraction or a traffic misdemeanor. Below, our top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyers answer frequently asked questions on traffic offenses and traffic infractions:
What are Larimer County Traffic Infractions?
In Larimer County, traffic infractions are relatively minor violations of Colorado’s traffic laws. Traffic infractions are civil, not criminal, and result in tickets rather than arrest. If you are issued a ticket for a traffic infraction, you will be required to pay a fine of $15 – $100 plus an additional surcharge. You will also accrue points on your driver’s license. If you do not pay the ticket, your only alternative is to go to court to fight it.
Examples of Traffic Infractions in Fort Collins
Traffic infractions that could result in a ticket in Fort Collins include any failure to:
- Use headlights – C.R.S. 42-4-204.
- Safely change lanes – C.R.S. 42-4-1007.
- Use a turn signal – C.R.S. 42-4-608.
What are Traffic Misdemeanors in Loveland?
In contrast to traffic infractions, traffic misdemeanors are more severe in Loveland. These are criminal offenses that are charged for more serious violations of Colorado’s traffic laws. Conviction of a traffic misdemeanor can result in time at the Larimer County Jail, fines and surcharges, and points against your driver’s license.
Examples of Traffic Misdemeanors in Estes Park
Examples of traffic misdemeanors charged in Estes Park include:
- Reckless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1401
- Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402
- Eluding a Police Officer, C.R.S. 42-4-1413
How Many Points on My Driver’s License Will I Get for a Fort Collins Traffic Infraction?
Points assessed to your driver’s license in Fort Collins vary, depending on the traffic infraction. Generally, a traffic infraction will result in only a few points against your driving privilege. As examples, some traffic infractions and the points that will result are:
- Failure to show proof of insurance – 4 points
- Driving an unsafe vehicle – 3 points
- Failure to dim / turn on headlights – 2 points
Driver’s License Points for a Loveland Traffic Misdemeanor
Traffic misdemeanors result in many more points to a driver’s license in Loveland. Depending on the offense, you could be assessed 12 points, which will automatically result in license revocation. If you are under the age of 21, your license may be revoked for even fewer points. Some points for traffic misdemeanors include:
- Failure to Stop for a School Bus, C.R.S. 42-4-1903 – 6 points
- Reckless Driving – 8 points
- Eluding a Police Officer – 12 points
Is Jail Time a Possibility for an Estes Park Traffic Misdemeanor?
Something crucial to understand is that jail time is a possibility for a traffic misdemeanor in Estes Park. Class 2 traffic misdemeanors will result in 10 – 90 days in the Larimer County Jail, along with a fine of $150 – $300. Class 1 misdemeanors are more severe, and will instead result in 10 days – 1 year in the Larimer County Jail, plus a fine of $300 – $1,000.
Do I Need a Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Traffic Infraction / Misdemeanor?
Because traffic infractions are civil, you do not need to contact a Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer to represent you. However, you should contact a top criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a traffic misdemeanor. Because incarceration at the Larimer County Jail and fines are a possibility for a traffic misdemeanor, hiring an attorney to represent you is critical.
Have you been charged with a traffic misdemeanor? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – do not talk to the Fort Collins Police about your charges. Then get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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