Serving People Throughout Colorado
Call Us For Free Consultation:
A reckless driving conviction in Colorado can have enduring consequences beyond the courtroom. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, our reckless driving defense lawyers in Denver understand the gravity of such charges. They are committed to providing robust defense strategies to protect our clients’ futures.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-1401, reckless driving is operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter with a “wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
This means that behaviors demonstrating a conscious disregard for safety, such as excessive speeding, aggressive maneuvers, or evading law enforcement, can lead to reckless driving charges.
A first-time conviction for reckless driving in Colorado is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. The penalties can include:
For subsequent convictions, the consequences become more severe:
A reckless driving conviction can significantly hinder employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record may raise concerns about a candidate’s judgment and reliability.
In Colorado, while a criminal conviction alone does not automatically disqualify a person from public employment, certain positions may be affected, especially those requiring a clean driving record or involving the operation of vehicles.
Moreover, specific industries, such as transportation or roles that involve driving company vehicles, may have stringent policies regarding driving offenses. A reckless driving conviction could be a barrier to securing such positions.
Accumulating eight points from a reckless driving conviction brings you closer to the Colorado license suspension threshold. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend your license if you accumulate too many points within a specific time frame.
Additionally, insurance companies view reckless driving as a high-risk behavior. Consequently, a conviction can substantially increase insurance premiums or cause policy cancellations. These financial implications can persist for years, affecting your overall economic stability.
In Colorado, the options for sealing or expunging criminal records are limited and depend on the nature of the offense. Generally, only specific cases, such as certain juvenile offenses or instances of mistaken identity, are eligible for expungement.
This means that a reckless driving conviction will likely remain on your record indefinitely, accessible during background checks by potential employers, landlords, and others.
At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we specialize in crafting tailored defense strategies for those accused of reckless driving. Our approach includes:
Yes. While speeding is common, you don’t need to be speeding to be charged with reckless driving in Colorado. Any behavior that shows a willful disregard for safety—like weaving through traffic, running red lights, or even aggressive tailgating—can result in a reckless driving charge.
Yes, reckless driving is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado. While it may not be a felony, it is still a criminal offense, which means it shows up on criminal background checks and can have lifelong implications.
Absolutely. Background checks performed by employers, landlords, and insurance companies often include traffic-related criminal convictions. Since Colorado does not allow reckless driving convictions to be sealed in most cases, they remain public record indefinitely.
If you’re from another state but are ticketed for reckless driving in Colorado, the conviction is typically reported to your home state’s DMV. Depending on your home state’s laws, you may face additional consequences like license suspension or insurance rate increases.
Yes. An experienced reckless driving defense lawyer in Denver can work to reduce the charge to something less serious, like careless driving (a traffic infraction), or possibly have it dismissed altogether if the evidence is weak. Every case differs, but prompt legal representation gives you the best shot.
Failing to appear in court or respond to a reckless driving charge can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest and an automatic license suspension. Always take these charges seriously and consult a defense lawyer in Denver, CO.
Navigating the complexities of a reckless driving charge requires a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we bring extensive experience in Colorado traffic law and a commitment to personalized client service. Our goal is to minimize the impact of such charges on your life and future.
If you’re facing a reckless driving charge in Denver, don’t let it define your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in building a strong defense.
