Careless Driving Lawyer in Greeley and Weld County

Imagine this: You are in the car trying to get to an appointment, unsure of where you are going, and just as you are about to pass the street you are supposed to turn on, you take a sharp right. While it might not seem like a big deal, this small act could actually get you charged with Careless Driving.

What is the Definition of Careless Driving?

C.R.S. 42-4-1402 – Careless Driving – is defined as:

A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter 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.

What is the Sentence / Punishment for Careless Driving?

As with many traffic offenses like Reckless Driving and DUI, there are both DMV and criminal penalties involved in a Careless Driving conviction in Weld, Morgan and Logan County. Driving carelessly can be charged as a class 1 or class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. The penalties for these misdemeanors are as follows:

Class 2 Misdemeanor Careless Driving:

Class 1 Misdemeanor Careless Driving:

  • $300 to $1,000 in fines
  • 10 days to 1 year in the Morgan County Jail

Most of the time, Driving Carelessly is charged as a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in places like the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley and Fort Morgan. However, if the Careless Driving caused bodily injury or death to another, it is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.

If you plead guilty to or are convicted of Driving Carelessly, points will be added to your driver’s license, possibly allowing the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend or revoke your license. A Careless Driving traffic offense adds 4 points to your license, unless the Careless Driving resulted in a death, in which case 12 points would be added.

Examples of Careless Driving

We have represented clients charged with Careless Driving in Greeley, Evans, and Johnstown for driving at excessive speeds, weaving, or sliding on ice. Not clearing off a frosty windshield might land you with this charge as well. With over 40 years combined experience, we have defended many clients facing this charge in both court and with the DMV. We will be by your side every step of the way.

CHARGED WITH CARELESS DRIVING IN GREELEY OR WELD COUNTY?

Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office.

Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and the Greeley area for a free consultation. 

Together, we can protect your future.

Get Help Now!