Colorado
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in Colorado
Careless or reckless driving is one of the most serious moving violations — in many states it is a misdemeanor with jail exposure. An attorney can often negotiate it down to a simple infraction that protects your record.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed Colorado attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in Colorado
What a careless & reckless driving costs in Colorado
- Typical fine
- $150–$300 first offense
- License points
- 8 points (reckless); careless driving is 4 points
- Insurance impact
- Reckless driving is among the most expensive convictions an insurer can see — 25%+ increases for years are typical.
- License risk
- Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense with 10–90 days jail exposure; 8 points is two-thirds of the adult annual suspension threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between reckless and careless driving in Colorado?
Reckless (CRS § 42-4-1401) means wanton disregard for safety — 8 points and a criminal traffic misdemeanor. Careless (§ 42-4-1402) means driving without due regard — 4 points and lesser exposure. Getting a reckless charge amended to careless is a common and valuable outcome.
Is jail realistic on a first reckless driving charge?
The statute allows 10 to 90 days, but custody is rare for first offenses without injury when the case is defended. The dependable damage — the criminal record, 8 points, and multi-year insurance surcharge — is what a reduction avoids.
I was charged with careless driving after an accident. Should I still fight it?
Yes — careless charges after crashes carry enhanced penalties if injuries are involved, and a conviction can be used against you in any civil claim. That combination makes accident cases the worst ones to plead out unadvised.
What outcomes do attorneys typically reach on these charges?
Reductions from reckless to careless, or from careless to a low-point infraction, are routine where records and facts permit. Attorneys in our network know what each Colorado DA's office will realistically agree to.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation