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It’s not unusual for motorists to break traffic rules in Colorado. In fact, nearly every driver will get a traffic violation ticket at some point in their life. Depending on the circumstances under which the violations happen, they can have serious ramifications. These include costly fines, hikes in insurance rates, or worse, points against your driving license, community service, probations, driving license revocations, or even jail terms. If you have received a ticket for any traffic violation in Colorado, enlisting an experienced Denver traffic defense attorney is the best thing to do. Unfortunately, finding a good lawyer can be quite a hustle.
Here are tips to help you find the right traffic defense lawyer:
Experience reigns supreme when choosing a traffic defense attorney. You do not want to risk losing your case by hiring a new traffic defense law firm you saw on a Facebook ad.
Your lawyer of choice should have vast experience in traffic violation cases coupled with a history of winning cases. This way, you can be assured that they’ll work on your case in the best way possible to ensure the most favorable outcome.
To identify your target law firm or attorney’s experience, it’s a good idea to check out their website. Most firms with years of experience take pride in it and will flaunt it on their website.
Word of mouth from friends, family, neighbors, business associates, and workmates is another way to identify the best Denver traffic defense attorney. Most times, these individuals have no conflict of interest and will give their most honest opinion concerning the attorney or a law firm you are looking to hire.
The vast majority of the people you interact with on a day-to-day basis have received a traffic ticket at one point or the other and can give you their first-hand experience dealing with the traffic lawyer you are looking to hire.
When deciding on your lawyer’s choice, ensure you are comfortable sharing your personal information with them. The good thing about hiring a lawyer before having a ticket is that you have the time to compare your options.
Paying your potential candidates a visit to their offices is always a great idea. You can get an idea of how organized and professional they are just by being in their office and interacting with them. You do not want a disorganized lawyer handling your sensitive personal information.
Additionally, ensure that you hire a lawyer who has your best interest at heart. Having a one-on-one conversation can help you determine how interested a lawyer is in solving your problems.
Different law firms or attorneys will charge differently depending on various factors, such as level of experience, geographical location, or the number of hours they spend on the case.
When choosing a lawyer, ensure that you go for one within your budget without compromising on quality. An average-priced lawyer would be a great fit. Keep in mind that cheap can be expensive.
No matter the level of caution you have on the road, mistakes happen.
If you have received a traffic violation ticket in Colorado, there’s no reason to feel upset. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC, we can help you fight your ticket and avoid the dire consequences that come with it. Our Denver traffic defense attorney, Steven J. Pisani, has years of experience helping Colorado residents, so you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
Please feel free to contact us today at 303-529-2834 to book a free initial consultation.
As a driver in the state of Colorado, it’s important to understand the many rules of the road. For example, when you find yourself moving toward a traffic signal, it’s time to consider your options for proceeding: Is the light green? Do you have enough time to stop if it turns yellow? Will you try to “beat” a red light? Do you have a good reason for running the light? Not only is it dangerous to you and other drivers to speed through a red light, but it can also result in trouble with the law in the form of a red light traffic ticket. Our Denver traffic ticket defense lawyer explains the legality of red light cameras in Colorado, how they work, and most importantly, how to fight a red light camera ticket.
It’s true that law enforcement officers are on the lookout for anyone who runs a red light. However, that’s not the only way you can find yourself in trouble. According to the Colorado General Assembly, red light cameras are legal in the state and are considered a form of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS), along with photo speed vans. So, even if you think you’ve made it through a red light without trouble, that’s not necessarily the case. A red light camera may have caught you in the act.
Here’s how a red light camera works:
Red light cameras are designed to record a 12-second digital video of any violation. This includes six seconds before the light turns red and six seconds after.
Even though automated vehicle identification systems are legal in Colorado, local jurisdictions are required by law to post signs indicating that cameras are in place. This is an important detail, as it may work in your favor as your Denver traffic ticket lawyer devises a defense strategy.
Throughout the state of Colorado, the maximum penalty for a violation captured by a red light camera is $75. In the event of a red light camera ticket, no points will be assessed to your driving record. This is in contrast to a more traditional red light violation, which generally results in four points. If you’re caught on camera running a red light, you can expect to receive a notice of violation in the mail within 90 days.
The last thing you want to find in your mailbox is a notice of violation. However, with these cameras all over the Denver area, there could come a point when this happens. Your first instinct is to pay the $75 fine to put this behind you. While that’s an option, you don’t necessarily need to go down this path. There are many steps you and your Denver traffic lawyer can take to get your red light camera ticket dismissed:
If you find yourself holding a red light camera ticket in Colorado and have concerns about taking the right approach, consult with an experienced Denver traffic defense lawyer. You may find that you have strong legal defenses in your case that can help get your traffic ticket dismissed. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC we have over a decade of experience defending drivers against various types of traffic tickets. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule your free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Reckless driving—also known as reckless endangerment— is every bit as dangerous as it sounds. Add in the fact that it can result in serious trouble with the law in Colorado, and it’s something you want to avoid at all costs.
While reckless driving takes on many forms, the definition remains the same. It’s defined as any activity, while operating a motor vehicle, that puts people and/or property in danger.
Some of the most common forms of reckless endangerment include:
Reckless driving is generally considered a misdemeanor in Colorado, however, there are times when it’s charged as a felony, such as if it results in personal injury or death.
Even if you think you’re doing everything you can to avoid reckless driving, there may be times when you violate Colorado traffic laws. And should that happen, there’s a chance you could soon find yourself on the receiving end of a hefty traffic ticket, after which you may have questions about your next steps. Here is a list of frequently asked questions regarding reckless endangerment in Colorado:
This is one of your primary concerns, especially if you already have points on your driving record. Too many of these can result in consequences such as a license suspension and/or the cancellation of your car insurance policy.
In Colorado, the points associated with a reckless driving traffic ticket depend on the details of the charges:
In Colorado, if you are age 21 or older, your license will be suspended if you:
Once again, this varies based on the type and severity of your actions. For example, if you’re a first-time offender and you didn’t cause harm to another individual, expect a fine between $150 and $300. Conversely, if you’re a repeat offender, your fine can increase to as high as $1,000. Note: in addition to a fine, you could also receive a sentence of up to 90 days in jail.
If you’re convicted of reckless driving in Colorado, it’ll remain on your motor vehicle record forever.
However, there are a few things to remember:
These details show why it’s important to take steps to have your reckless driving charge reduced or dismissed with the help of an experienced Denver traffic attorney.
There’s no shortage of reckless driving defense strategies. Your traffic attorney’s goal is to settle on the one that gives you the best chance of reducing or dismissing your ticket.
Some of the most common legal defense strategies include:
With so many defense strategies to consider, it’s important to know how each one could affect your case. Even if you’re unsuccessful in having your ticket dismissed, reduced charges can lessen the impact on your life.
You’re not required by law to hire a traffic attorney to fight a reckless driving charge, but there are many reasons to do so:
Don’t panic if you find yourself holding a reckless driving ticket. Also, don’t jump the gun and pay it immediately. Consult with a Denver traffic lawyer to learn more about your legal rights, as well as defense strategies you can use to reduce the ticket’s impact on your life.
At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC, we have 10+ years of experience handling reckless driving charges for clients across Colorado. Contact us online or give us a call today to discuss your case, including the next steps, potential outcomes, and more.
No one likes being pulled over by the cops. What’s worse than that? Receiving a ticket for speeding. Traffic violations like this require you to either pay or fight the traffic ticket. Maybe ignoring the ticket will make it go away, right? Wrong. Colorado traffic ticket laws are put in place to protect citizens and keep streets safe.
Being handed a ticket can cast a dark cloud over your life and your wallet. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC have over a decade of serving the people of Colorado in traffic ticket defense. We know that mistakes are made. Not every traffic ticket is legit. And not every police officer follows the rules when issuing tickets.
Because we care about preserving your rights as a driver, today we’ll discuss:
You may think traffic laws only apply to the state or federal government. But every city and local government has its place in managing traffic.
Interstate and highways, like I-70, are controlled by the Interstate Highway System, which falls under the federal or state government.
City and county laws address day-to-day life on roads and streets and are usually regulated under a municipal code. The City of Denver’s rules are known as the Municipal Code of the City of Denver.
The city controls traffic situations like speed limits, skateboarding or electric scooters being left on sidewalks, parking in tow-away zones, and railroad crossings. When you’re faced with traffic violations, you’ll typically go to a city traffic court in Colorado.
Sometimes state and local traffic laws overlap. But whenever there is a conflict or clash between the two, state laws usually always override city traffic ticket laws.
If you live here, you know the Centennial State carries some of the most strict traffic ticket laws in the nation. Tourists, however, who are unfamiliar with the rules of the road like the left-lane law, may end up with an unwanted souvenir.
Colorado’s left-lane law says that you should not drive in the passing lane (the left lane) of the highway when the speed limit is 65 miles per hour or more. The left lane is for passing; the right lanes are for normal driving.
You can only drive in the left lane when passing cars in the non-passing lane (the right lane), turning left, or when traffic allows you to safely merge into the right lane.
While traveling out of town and you receive a speeding ticket, the ticket will follow you back to your home state. This is possible because of the Driver’s License Compact, that allows states to talk to each other.
But if you get a traffic ticket while traveling in Colorado, the ticket will not go on your driving record.
This goes to show you that every state is unique. What is accepted in other states may be considered breaking the rules in Colorado. Denver News 7 shared some little-known rules of the road that can result in Colorado traffic tickets if you don’t follow them:
The most important and unique law of all is Colorado’s traction law. Code15/Passenger Traction law requires drivers to have one of the following: all-wheel or four wheel drive vehicles, snow tires, or all-weather tires with mud/snow designation.
This law is key during the winter months and even when the winter season passes. The need for proper traction in the snow is important.
Your tires need to be able to grip the road and handle the snow and ice. The last thing you want is to slip, slide, and lose control of your car.
By following the rules, you can avoid hefty out of pocket costs. Failure to follow the Code 15 traction law could cost you more than $130. And if your car blocks the road because you don’t have the right equipment, you can expect a fine of more than $650.
Speeding is a common traffic violation in Colorado and throughout the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that traffic congestion is one of the most contributing factors to aggressive driving habits like speeding.
In 2018, Denver’s traffic congestion ranked 21 in the nation. By 2040, Denver’s traffic is predicted to grow by more than 40%, according to CPR News.
Because of bumper-to-bumper traffic, drivers get frustrated. They attempt to make up lost time on the road by speeding to their next destination.
The outcome? Sometimes speeding ends in a speeding ticket. Drivers are then left to wonder, “What should I do after getting a traffic ticket in Colorado?”
Getting a speeding ticket in Denver or anywhere in the state of Colorado is expensive when you consider the whole package. The ticket itself is not the only cost that comes with breaking speeding laws. On average, Colorado drivers pay $135.61 more per year for insurance after getting a speeding ticket. Insurance rate increases can last for about three years, so Colorado drivers can end up paying an extra $406.83 for their insurance after just one ticket.
To make things worse, drivers in certain Colorado cities pay more than drivers in others. For example, a driver in Montrose will only pay $101.58 more in car insurance premiums after a ticket, while a driver in Fort Morgan with the same speeding ticket will pay $178.57 more per year! All the more reason to find out what are your legal options when it comes to traffic ticket defense in Colorado.
Denver’s Mile High Magazine unpacks Colorado cities with the worst and most expensive traffic tickets:
In addition to fines, it’s possible to have your license suspended or taken away, spend time in jail and more. For example, penalties for a Colorado DUI include alcohol education classes and community service.
As you can see, there are levels to traffic penalties. Heavier violations require drivers to pay more amounts of money. But with an experienced Denver traffic ticket defense lawyer, you may be able to save yourself the trouble of dealing with any of the above.
The financial consequences of receiving a traffic ticket is on the minds of drivers everywhere.
We’ll show you the U.S. states that have the harshest fines.
For example, California has some of the highest traffic fines in the nation. Here’s how other states stack up in traffic violations:
It’s been reported that some California drivers can’t afford the growing costs of traffic tickets. In response, California is creating a statewide program to cut traffic fines by 50% or more.
The Post-Journal indicates that New York is also assisting citizens. New York State is allowing drivers to make payment plans if they cannot afford to pay an entire ticket.
Can you handle the financial burden of a Colorado traffic ticket?
Much like anywhere else in the United States, traffic tickets in Colorado are expensive. Without a strategy, you may lose your license and have to pay higher insurance payments. Don’t be afraid to fight your traffic ticket with the help of a knowledgeable Denver traffic defense attorney. The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC are here for you. We can help you build a strong defense and possibly get your charges reduced or dropped. Contact us today or give us a call to request a free case review.
Traffic tickets are common. Statistically speaking, about 1 in 5 Americans received a traffic ticket for a moving violation in the past five years, according to a 2015 report. But does it make any sense to go to court and fight your traffic ticket in Colorado? Traffic tickets are known to be difficult to contest because in most cases, it’s your word against the word of the police officer who issued the ticket. For this reason, only 5% of motorists who receive a traffic ticket dispute it in court.
And many drivers who decide to go to court to contest a traffic citation end up losing because they do not have a strategy to win. Retaining a Denver traffic ticket attorney can make a big difference as your lawyer will guide you through the legal process and help you present your case in the most convincing way possible to get the offense dismissed or reduced. Read on to learn more about what to expect if you decide to fight your traffic ticket in Colorado court.
While most people mistakenly believe that paying their traffic ticket is the only option, you could actually dispute your traffic citation to avoid long-lasting negative consequences, including but not limited to: a suspension of your driver’s license and higher insurance rates.
If you want to contest your traffic citation in Denver or other parts of Colorado, the first thing you need to do is plead “not guilty” to the charges against you. This can be done either in person or by mail. Your ticket will list the name and location of the court that must be notified before the arraignment date. This date is also specified on the ticket.
Note: By paying a traffic ticket, you are pleading guilty to the traffic charge.
Once the court receives your plea, it will schedule a date for a:
If you fail to show up at the hearing or conference, the court could automatically find you guilty of the charges. In addition, the court could issue a warrant for your arrest.
If you are considering pleading “not guilty” to the traffic charges, it is advised to be represented by an experienced traffic defense attorney to help you prove your innocence before a judge in Colorado.
If you have been charged with a traffic offense, the court will schedule a pre-trial conference during which your Denver traffic ticket attorney will help you contest the traffic citation to get the charges dismissed or dropped.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your traffic offense, your lawyer may be able to negotiate and reach a settlement. Often, the defendant is required to change their plea to “guilty” in exchange for a reduction in the penalties.
If no mutually acceptable agreement is reached at the pre-trial conference, the court will schedule a date for a final hearing. The process for fighting a traffic ticket in Colorado can take a few weeks after the violation. Usually, the process takes from three to four weeks.
Depending on the strength of your case and your lawyer’s ability to make compelling arguments in court, there are two possible outcomes of fighting a traffic citation in Colorado:
If the judge finds you guilty of the traffic charges, the severity of the punishment will depend on the nature and seriousness of the violation. Possible penalties that you could face when found guilty are:
If additional points are added to your driving record, your driver’s license could be suspended. To remove points from your driving record, you must complete the mandatory defensive driving course as soon as possible. It is advised to hire a traffic defense lawyer to help you fight your ticket in Colorado and obtain a “not guilty” verdict.
If you received a ticket for violating traffic laws in Colorado, you have a right to challenge the ticket. You can benefit from hiring a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney to help you fight the citation.
Contact a Denver traffic ticket attorney to help you:
Fighting a traffic ticket in court might seem intimidating because you must appear in front of the judge and present your case. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Consult with our traffic ticket attorney at the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC to discuss the best defense strategy in your case. Call at (303) 635-6768 to schedule a free consultation.
Do you know that more people travel during the Thanksgiving break during the Christmas holiday? A recent report revealed that during Thanksgiving, long-distance trips increase by 54%, more than double the 23% increase during the Christmas period.
Traveling during Thanksgiving in Colorado typically entails encountering wet roadways during winter, presenting challenges for you and your vehicle and making it essential to maintain a safety-first mindset as you embark on your trip. Below we provide simple yet critical tips for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving road trip.
Ensure that you get enough rest before you set out for a road trip. Driving while tired impairs your ability in the same way as intoxication. According to the CDC, drowsiness affects concentration and coordination and reduces your reaction times. Resting will help you remain alert throughout the journey.
Also avoid consuming alcohol the night before your road trip which could result in the morning-after impairment. In Colorado, it is an offense to operate a vehicle with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. As long as you’re impaired, you can face DUI charges, even if your BAC is below 0.08%, with some of the potential penalties including fines, probation, jail time, and public service.
While you are on the road, focus on driving and avoid distractions. Engaging in careless or reckless driving is an offense in Colorado. According to Colorado law CRS 42-4-1401, reckless driving entails operating a vehicle with a disregard for other road users’ safety. Meanwhile, a driver may be guilty of careless driving if they don’t exercise sufficient regard for their surroundings.
Reckless driving is more severe than careless driving. A reckless driving conviction in Colorado is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable with a fine ranging between $150 and $ 300 and a jail time between 10 and 90 days. A repeat offense may attract a jail time of up to six months and a fine of up to $ 1,000.
Distracted driving involves engaging in any activity that may shift your attention from the road. Common forms of distracted driving include using a mobile phone or eating while driving. In 2009, the state of Colorado passed a law against texting while driving but this law extends to other mobile phone activities like sending tweets or emails while driving.
The anti-texting law in Colorado applies to all drivers. This law prohibits drivers younger than 18 years from using a cell phone while driving. Violating the anti-texting law is a Class A traffic infraction. A first offense may attract a fine of $50, while a second offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100.
Leave early to eliminate anxiety about arriving late and you won’t feel tempted to speed. According to Colorado law, a violation of 1 to 24 mph above the posted speed limit is a Class A traffic infraction. A violation of 25mph or more is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
You may also face Class A traffic infraction charges if you fail to reduce the speed to a practical level while operating a vehicle under hazardous conditions. It’s also advisable to leave early during Thanksgiving Day considering the heavy traffic and challenging weather likely to occur.
Traveling for Thanksgiving? Don’t let a car crash ruin your holiday. Use the above tips to remain safe. If you or a loved one experiences a car accident due to speeding, reckless or careless driving, or DUI in the Denver area, contact an experienced local attorney. Speak with a knowledgeable criminal and traffic attorney at the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC. Call today at (303) 635-6768 for a free consultation.
Getting a traffic ticket in Colorado is not unusual. After all, no driver is perfect on the road, and there are various kinds of traffic violations that may lead to a ticket in Colorado. Some of these include speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), and simple parking offenses. While getting a traffic ticket is less serious than most criminal offenses, it can cause you problems in terms of time, money, and insurance rates and may even lead to your license suspension. But there’s no reason to feel upset. Knowing what to do after getting a ticket in Colorado can help you mitigate the adverse effects of a traffic violation.
Here are your options after getting a traffic ticket in Colorado.
If you are like most drivers, you may not be willing to spend your crucial time and effort challenging a traffic ticket. That means you’ll just agree to pay a fine. In most cases, fines for tickets will vary based on the specific traffic violation and your case’s specific circumstances. For instance:
Besides fines, you may have to pay surcharges and get points on your driving record. It is important to bear in mind that you have up to 20 days to remit your payment to the Division of Motor Vehicles if you opt to pay your ticket. This can be done either in person, by mail, phone, or online, based on where you were cited. Paying the fine early enough will help you avoid additional fines and potential problems.
If you feel that your ticket for an improper lane change, speeding, or any other violation was not justified or maybe you want to avoid the negative impact of a ticket, disputing the traffic ticket in court may be the right thing to do. If that’s what you intend to do, the first step is to notify the court and submit your plea either in person or via mail. After that, you’ll have to prepare for your hearing by gathering evidence, contacting witnesses if you have any, and even rehearsing what you intend to say in court. The good thing is that you can hire an experienced Colorado traffic ticket attorney to do that on your behalf.
If you are found guilty of the specific traffic violation you are being accused of, points may be added to your driving record. On the other hand, no points will be added if you are not found guilty. Regardless of your trial’s outcome, you must check your driving record. Sometimes points may erroneously be added to your driving record without your knowledge, resulting in increased insurance rates or suspension of your driver’s license.
The last option that you have after getting a traffic ticket in Colorado is mitigation. This is a situation where you admit the specific traffic violation you are being accused of committing and explain the circumstances that forced you to commit the offense. In most cases, a judge will be lenient on you if he thinks that your explanation is justified and may impose lesser penalties, including:
While mitigation usually applies in cases where you’ve not had a traffic ticket in many years, it does not usually lead to a reduced penalty. In some cases, you may have points added to your driving record and even pay full fines, especially if a judge has cause to believe that your explanations or arguments are invalid. The good thing is that there’s nothing at stake when you opt for mitigation. However, you need to bear in mind that you cannot appeal the court’s decision after mitigation. Why? Because you had initially admitted that you committed the traffic violation.
Getting a traffic ticket in Colorado can be frustrating, to the say the least. Not only do you have fines to deal with, but you risk paying higher insurance rates and even having your driver’s license revoked. But there’s no reason to feel confused. After all, getting a traffic ticket does not deprive you of the right to fight the charges. Talk to an experienced Denver traffic ticket attorney to learn how we can help. Our attorney, Steven J. Pisani, has a decade of experience in defending the rights of residents in Denver and all of Colorado. Please fill out our online contact form or give us a call at (303) 529-2242 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Tracy Morgan was sideswiped 15 minutes after driving his brand- new $2.5 million Bugatti off the dealer lot. This incident occurred just three days prior to the 5-year anniversary when Tracy was involved in a fatal car accident. Although it is not entirely clear who is it fault for the accident, it appears as if the $25 thousand Honda made an incorrect right turn.
No charges were filed, but if you were involved in an accident and received a traffic citation, give our office a call for a free consultation. 303-635-6768. If you have involved in an accident and received a traffic citation in Colorado, call our office today for a free consultation. You can Consult our experienced Traffic Defense Lawyer Steven J. Pisani call 303-635-6768.
Date TMZ, 6/6/2019
Link News: Source
A man in Westport, Connecticut is currently fighting a traffic ticket for distracted driving. His defense? That he was actually eating a McDonald’s hash brown rather than talking on his cell phone. The man claims that he would have no reason to have a phone near his mouth, as he uses a Bluetooth when making calls. Considering that phone records prove that the man-made no calls during the hour he received the traffic ticket and that McDonald’s hash browns have extremely similar dimensions to cell phones, I would say this defense is just crazy enough to work. The case is set for a retrial in the Connecticut Superior Court on December 7th. Hopefully, the Judge is a fan of hash browns, so he can sympathize with the man’s plight.
The Law Offices of Steven J Pisani specialize in DUI, traffic, and criminal defense. Call our Denver office today for a free consultation at 303-635-6768.
GeekWire, Kurt Schlosser, November 27th, 2018
Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 175. With the new bill, a driver who hits a vulnerable road user (bicyclist, construction worker, officer) penalties for drivers are charged with a class 1 traffic misdemeanor. Judges are also authorized to order restitution, suspend the driver’s license, and require the driver to take driving classes. The bill passed with only seven people opposed to it. Rep. Dylan Roberts sponsored the bill and stated that he is frustrated by repeat careless drivers who come through the 5th Judicial District. Another supporter, Adelaide Perr, was hit and injured by a driver with 17 prior traffic infractions. It took 6 months for Perr to recover and Perr still suffers from PTSD making it difficult to ride a bike.
The Law Offices of Steven J Pisani specialize in DUI, traffic defense including careless driving and criminal defense. Call our Denver office today for a Penalties For Drivers consultation at 303-635-6768.
Denver Post, Ann Staver, May 29, 2019
Link: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/05/29/colorado-law-penalties-bicyclists/
