Boulder Reckless Driving Attorney

Reckless vs. Careless Driving

Being involved in a car accident is a serious situation everyone hopes to avoid. Reckless driving is the foundation for many auto collisions. While it’s not uncommon for a great driver to have a careless moment, most safe drivers are never reckless. Reckless and careless driving may seem the same, but they are not the same as far as the law is concerned. As mentioned before, reckless driving involves an acknowledged disregard for the safety of others when operating a vehicle. Careless driving is operating a vehicle without an awareness of the risk associated with an action. The primary difference between careless and reckless driving is the acknowledgment of risk. Knowingly driving in a risky manner is reckless, and careless driving is risky driving without an understanding of potential risk. Reckless drivers know they are driving in a risky way and continue to do so, but careless drivers may not fully understand the risky behavior associated with their driving habits. More practically, careless driving is four (4) points against your license, and reckless driving is eight (8) points.

Common Examples of Reckless Driving in Colorado

Reckless drivers operate their vehicles in a knowingly risky and dangerous manner. They drive without regard for those sharing the roadway, and their actions put people and property in danger.

Common examples of possible reckless driving include:

• Weaving through lanes in heavy traffic
• Driving with a disregard for traffic and road signs
• Speeding & Tailgating
• Driving 25 miles over the speed limit
• Passing illegally
• Driving a vehicle without operating brakes or critical systems
• Racing on public roadways
• Evading law enforcement after a legal stop

If you are stopped by law enforcement and charged with reckless driving, the circumstances impacting your case will determine how you are charged and the penalties you face.

Penalties for Reckless Driving Charges

The fines and charges accompanying a reckless driving charge depend on several mitigating factors. Is it a driver’s first offense? Was the reckless driving incident responsible for an injury or death? For example, if a first-time offender is convicted on reckless driving charges, they could face a fine of up to $300 and up to 90 days in jail. If the driver has multiple charges, they could face stiffer penalties of six months of prison time and a fine of up to $1000. If an individual’s reckless driving resulted in another person's death or severe injury, the charges become more severe, up to vehicular homicide.

Reckless driving also carries administrative penalties, such as:

• License Suspension
• Insurance Increases
• Driving Record Infractions

Reckless driving can lead to serious criminal charges and, if convicted, jail time and substantial fines. A reckless driving charge can have a long-term impact on your ability to get a job or even further your education.

Find the Right Reckless Driving Lawyer

At the law offices of Barre M. Sakol, we have a reputation for dedicated service to our clients. Call our Boulder reckless driving attorney today at (720) 999-9506 to schedule a consultation. Our team will work hard to help you fight reckless driving charges.