In Greeley, if you are driving a car, motor vehicle, or bicycle without proper regard for the road or your surroundings, you could be charged with Careless Driving. A woman recently found this out when she ran out of gas and found herself facing a Careless Driving charge. Apparently, she ran out of gas and blocked a lane, which resulted in an accident in the blocked lane. If found guilty, she could face a misdemeanor traffic conviction. The lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office know that even a misdemeanor traffic charge can impact your future. In extreme cases where someone is hurt, a judge might even impose some time in Weld County Jail, fines, and a record. Below, our lawyers will discuss Careless Driving in Greeley. If you are facing a Careless Driving charge in Fort Collins or Larimer County, go here for help.
What is the Definition of Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402, in Weld County?
The Weld County definition of Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402, is:
In the above story, if the woman failed to give proper attention to traffic when she ran out of gas, then she could be convicted of Careless Driving. Likely, the officer felt that the woman failed to consider “all other attendant circumstances” such as keeping her gas filled. It is important to note that this story is from another state and each state has different laws. The definition above used our Colorado Revised Statutes.
What is the Difference Between “Careless” and “Reckless” Driving in Greeley, Colorado?
The definition of “careless” involves more of a carefree attitude and a not paying attention to what is going on near your car. A Reckless Driving charge occurs when the driver has a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others and their property. A Reckless Driving charge is more severe and upon conviction will result in 8 points against your license.
Penalties and Sentence for Careless Driving in Weld County
The sentence and penalties for Careless Driving in Weld County depend on whether anyone was hurt. If no one was hurt, then Careless Driving is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. This can carry penalties of $150 to $300 in fines and 10 to 90 days in the Weld County Jail. If someone was hurt or died, then Careless Driving is a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. With penalties of $300 to $1,000 in fines and 10 days to 1 year in the jail. It is also important to note that a Careless Driving traffic crime conviction will add 4 points to your license, unless the Careless Driving resulted in a death, in which case 12 points are assessed.
Related Criminal Offenses to Careless Driving in Greeley, Colorado
In Greeley, a person can be charged with Careless Driving, or other similar charges that can be filed. Some of these charges are:
- Reckless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1401
- DUI – C.R.S. 42-4-1301
- Speeding – C.R.S. 42-4-1101
- Negligent Homicide – C.R.S. 18-3-105
If you or a loved one is facing a Careless Driving in Greeley, don’t make a mistake by not consulting with a traffic offense attorney with experience handling Careless Driving cases. Call 970-616-6009 to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County. Together, we can protect your driving future.
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