Receiving a traffic ticket for speeding may not be a problem for the average driver, but tickets as minor as speeding to as serious as DUI have different penalties associated with them. And if you have had tickets in the past, you should be aware of your license status before you simply pay the ticket or go to court and accept a deal offered by the district attorney. Sometimes it isn’t the consequences in court that are the most devastating, it’s the actions of the department of motor vehicles in suspending your license after you have entered a plea. The district attorney won’t tell you what effect your plea will have on your ability to drive your car. Make sure that you know before you take a deal.
The consequences of receiving a traffic ticket can be significant, including fines and even serving time in jail. But it doesn’t end there. Traffic tickets can also have significant effects upon your license to drive a car and your insurance rates. In El Paso County, Deputy District Attorneys handle up to 30,000 cases per year in County Court. They don’t have time to sit down and really look at your case, or really take the time necessary to decide whether there is merit to the charges that have been made against you. That’s why you need an experienced attorney on your side. The District Attorney’s Office has investigators and entire police departments helping them decide your fate. You need someone telling your side of the story. You need someone fighting for you.
Contact us today at (719) 633-6620 for your free consultation.
Traffic Offenses: When you need an attorney
If you have been given a ticket for a minor traffic violation, you may not need an attorney. Colorado operates on a point system with regard to driver’s licenses:
- Minor drivers under the age of 18 can have up to 5 points assessed against their license over a 12 month period or up to 6 points prior to reaching the age of 18.
- Drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 can have up to 9 points assessed against their license over a 12 month period or 12 points within 24 months.
- Adults over 21 can have up to 12 points assessed against their license over a 12 month period or up to 18 points in any 24 consecutive month period.
SPEEDING VIOLATIONS
For speeding violations, there are different point values assigned based upon the speed alleged by the law enforcement officer. An example of the different point values is as follows:
- 1-4 mph over the speed limit is a 0 point violation
- 5-9 mph over the speed limit is a 1 point violation
- 10-19 mph over the speed limit is a 4 point violation
- 20 – 39 mph over the speed limit is a 6 point violation
Unless your alleged violation is in the range of points which puts your license at risk you can probably take care of the ticket on your own. You should obtain a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to evaluate your own situation.
POINTS ASSESSMENT
If it’s a minor traffic offense such as speeding, you may have the option of paying a fine within a particular period of time and have less points assessed against your license. Look on the back of the citation to find out if this is an option. Read it carefully so that you understand what you are admitting to by paying the fine.
PLEA AGREEMENTS
If no such option is available on the ticket, then you probably have a violation which requires you show up at court. If this is the case, you will have the opportunity to speak with the Deputy District Attorney assigned to your case and engage in plea negotiations. This means that the District Attorney’s Office will make you an offer at your first appearance and you can decide whether to accept their offer or reject it and seek legal advice or proceed to trial. The Deputy District Attorney will make a decision regarding the offer to make you depending upon factors such as the circumstances of the violation, your attitude with the officer, your driving record and your criminal history in whole. If you have a significant driving history of violations or determine that the number of points would revoke your license, you may want to contact an attorney and at least discuss your circumstance with him or her. Don’t be concerned about doing this, most defense attorneys, provide free consultations to help you. Another option is that you can meet with the District Attorney and if you don’t feel comfortable with the offer made, request time to seek legal counsel so that you can make sure you understand all of the potential consequences and what possible defenses you may have. This is called a continuance.
MORE SERIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
The most typical traffic offenses involve minor violations. If you have been charged with a more serious offense, you should at least contact an attorney to discuss your case. An example of some of the more serious traffic citations you should be aware of include:
- Careless Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Failure to Stop for School Signals
- Eluding a Police Officer
- DUI
- DWAI
At the Law Firm of Jaray Webster, we have the experienced defense attorneys to handle any traffic case. It is important that you are represented by an aggressive, determined attorney to defend your rights. Call us today at (719) 633-6620 to schedule a free consultation.