In Weld County, you can face a Careless Driving charge, and lose 4 points on your license, if you drive without proper respect to the road or surroundings. In Vail recently, a Forest Service driver was allegedly driving in the middle of a dirt road when she hit another car. After an investigation, the Colorado State Patrol found she was at fault for being in the middle of the road. If she is found guilty, she would face a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. People often see a misdemeanor offense and think they do not need representation; however, they are wrong. Even a traffic misdemeanor conviction can affect your job by the loss of points, insurance rate increases, and the possibility of having to spend time in the Weld County Jail. Below, the top traffic lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office will discuss Careless Driving and why you need to hire Colorado’s leading lawyers.
What is the Definition Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402, in Greeley, Colorado
Careless Driving is a traffic crime which is defined in Greeley, Colorado under C.R.S. 42-4-1402, as follows:
- A person who drives a motor vehicle … in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving.
- Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection (2), any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
- If the person’s actions are the proximate cause of bodily injury to another, such person commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.
- If the person’s actions are the proximate cause of death to another, such person commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. This is called Careless Driving resulting in Death.
Driving in any unsafe manner can get you charged with Careless Driving. Careless driving is a less severe traffic offense than Reckless Driving. If you are facing a Reckless Driving charge, go here.
Examples of Careless Driving in Weld County
Driving in any unsafe manner in Weld County can cause you to be charged with Carless Driving. Some examples of Careless Driving are:
- Applying makeup in the mirror while driving
- Driving 40-mph in a 25-mph zone, even though a speed limit sign was covered by snow
- Not seeing a stop sign and going through it
- Pulling through a parking lot and not seeing a car pulling out and hitting it
- Crossing the center line on a curvy mountain road, and hitting another car
It is important to note that a Careless driver often does not realize the risk they create by not paying enough attention to their surroundings. If they realize the risk by driving in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, they can be found guilty of Reckless Driving, which is a more severe charge, which can cost you 8 points against your license.
In Greeley, Colorado, Can You Be Charged with Careless Driving if You Are Not Driving a Car?
The simple answer is yes, in Greeley you can be charged with Careless Driving if you are not driving a car. Motor vehicles can be trucks, motorcycles, vans, electronic bikes, scooters, and bicycles.
What is the Punishment and Sentence for Careless Driving in Weld County?
In Weld County, the sentence for a Careless Driving conviction is a class 2 traffic misdemeanor with penalties of $150 and $300 in fines, between 10 and 90 days in Weld County Jail, 4 points on your driving record, and community service, provided that no one was hurt in the accident. When some one is hurt then the sentence for a Careless Driving conviction is a class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of $300 and $1,000 in fines, between 10 days and 1 year in jail, 4 points on your driving record, community service, and payment of restitution to anyone who got hurt.
Why Should I Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado Lawyer for a Careless Driving Charge?
Careless Driving in Greeley is a traffic misdemeanor charge, however that does not mean that it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Hiring the top lawyers at the O’Malley office will get you the best outcome in your case. While it is often hard to see the difference between proper, safe driving, and Careless Driving, a good lawyer can navigate the specifics of your case and fight for your rights.
If you or a loved one have been accused of Careless Driving in Greeley or Weld County, be sure to exercise your right to remain silent, and call the best traffic offense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 to meet with an experienced criminal traffic defense lawyer in Weld County. Together, we can protect your future.
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